ATBB becomes part of Desay

Purchase contract signed

At the beginning of the week, the takeover of the Weimar company ATBB Antennentechnik Bad Blankenburg GmbH by the new strategic partner Huizhou Desay SV Automotive Co, Ltd. was completed. After the signing of the purchase contract in November 2018 and the final approval of the German government, a new and forward-looking cooperation is now starting in Weimar Legefeld.

Welcome by the Lord Mayor of Weimar

The repositioning of the traditional Thuringian company was sealed with a visit to Weimar City Hall. Mr. CL Tan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Desay SV, Mr. Harald Möglich, Managing Director of Desay SV Automotive Europe and Dr. Michael Weber, Managing Director of Antennentechnik Bad Blankenburg, came to Weimar City Hall yesterday for an inaugural visit and were warmly welcomed by Mayor Peter Kleine. The delegation handed over two donations of 2000 Euro each to the Weimar painting and drawing school and the youth migration service of the city of Weimar.

Common goals

"Today we combine two companies with different cultures but with the same goals. Common goals are the main thing when it comes to integrating cultures and processes in business enterprises. This is why we are happy to make donations today in an exemplary manner to individuals and institutions in Weimar who are concerned about the integration of people who need our support," explained Mr. Tan.

Cooperation enables synergies

During the Day-One ceremony, which took place at the company's Weimar site, Mr. Tan and Mr. Möglich personally welcomed all ATBB employees. In his speech, the CEO emphasized the strategic importance of the acquisition for both Desay SV and ATBB. The cooperation enables both parties to meet the rapidly changing demands of the automotive industry and to participate in the development of megatrends such as autonomous driving and connected cars. Mr. Möglich emphasized: "The upcoming cooperation will give the Weimar-based antenna specialist ATBB strong access to the Asian market, while the Chinese Tier 1 automotive supplier can strengthen its presence in Europe".

Looking to the future

Mr Tan added: "ATBB's technologies and capabilities complement the product and technology portfolio and support the strategic growth of Desay SV's 3-pillar strategy of Smart Cabin, Smart Driving and Smart Connected Services. At the same time, ATBB will be able to leverage Desay SV's electronics and software expertise to provide competitive smart antennas as 5G and further digitalisation progresses. Together we can drive forward digital networking in the automotive sector and in many other sectors worldwide. With the acquisition of the Thuringian company, Desay SV now has a total of around 4,500 employees, seven research and development sites worldwide and three production sites in Asia and Europe.

Investments in growth

Together, Mr. Tan and Dr. Weber emphasized: "The Weimar site, with its high level of specialization in smart antennas and technologies, will remain an independent company within the Desay Group. All employees should and can benefit from the international network of the Desay Group, take advantage of educational opportunities and open up new career opportunities". Dr. Weber will continue to lead the company with his proven management team. All employment contracts and social benefits will be taken over and continued. Desay SV is committed to support the development and growth of ATBB and to invest in the Weimar site to ensure its long-term competitiveness in regional and global markets.