Knorr-Bremse Assumes Control of Bendix
Knorr-Bremse AG, Munich announced that it has assumed operational control of Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC from Honeywell International Inc. As part of the transaction, Knorr-Bremse acquired Honeywell's minority interest in Knorr-Bremse Systeme fur Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH of Munich, Germany and Knorr-Bremse Sistemas Para Veiculos Comerciasis Brasil Ltda of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The deal has passed review by U.S. regulatory authorities. The board of directors of Honeywell and the supervisory board of Knorr-Bremse have given their approval for the transaction late last year.The move completes the Knorr-Bremse international network. Four Bendix development and manufacturing facilities -- three in the US and one in Mexico-- now join Knorr's 12 existing commercial vehicle development and production sites along with numerous sales companies in Europe and Asia Pacific. As a result, the Knorr-Bremse Group worldwide workforce will total over 11,000 people, dedicated to the development, production and sales of its brake systems.Local Management and Operations to Remain Intact There is no anticipated change to the local business leadership or to local business operations as a result of the ownership transition. Bendix, while fully integrated as a contributing member of the Knorr-Bremse Group, will continue to conduct business operations as usual. Bendix employees were informed of the transaction close in a net meeting simultaneously broadcast throughout their locations earlier today. Dr. Rudolf Gerich, chairman of the executive board of Knorr-Bremse Systems for Commercial Vehicles, reiterated that the European Knorr-Bremse leadership is fully committed to supporting and advancing Bendix as a premier product and service provider for commercial vehicles throughout North America. "Our foundation is strong ... our future is brilliant," he relayed to the group. Leadership teams from both companies will begin the first round of business planning sessions next week, reported McAleese. He added that the firm has established integration teams from within each functional area to map out future processes and communication channels to ensure a seamless transition. Employees and customers will receive ongoing communications as major milestones and initiatives are finalized.