PR: Kontron AG acquires majority stake in Swiss company DIGITAL-LOGIC AG

Product range rounded out by 78 percent stake in specialist for ruggedized computers / "Lucky Buy" bolsters applications in high-margin segments / Sales and purchasing synergies to generate revenue and earnings growth.

Eching, Munich, September 17, 2009. Kontron AG, one of the world's leading providers of embedded computer technology, has acquired a stake in the unlisted Swiss company DIGITAL-LOGIC AG, which is based in Solothurn, Switzerland. As Kontron announced today, it has acquired 78 percent of the shares in the manufacturer of embedded PCs and computer systems (annual revenue of EUR 15 million, 100 employees), a takeover of 100 percent is intended. The purchase price amounts to a mean single-digit figure in the millions. "The acquisition represents a lucky buy for us," commented Ulrich Gehrmann, Kontron's CEO. "Our aim is to help this company, which is currently not particularly present on a global basis, towards significant revenue growth through further investments, and to raise DIGITAL-LOGIC's EBIT margin to at least Kontron's level within a one year period.” This is to be achieved through synergy effects: "Kontron's strong global sales network and better purchasing terms provide the best preconditions for this," Gehrmann went on to explain.

Kontron is strengthening its presence in the central European region as a result of this investment, and anticipates further gains in market shares.

The compact systems also allow Kontron to access a new and complementary technology, thereby supplementing its product portfolio in these high-margin market segments. DIGITAL-LOGIC is particularly specialized in compact, ruggedized computers. These especially robust and compact computers are used in highly sensitive applications in areas that tend to be independent of the economic cycle such as government, transportation and medical technology. "These areas already command a share of revenue of around 30 percent at Kontron," Gehrmann stated. "Despite the economic crisis, we are experiencing rising demand for reliable and high performance products in this area. DIGITAL-LOGIC allows us to strengthen our market position in a rapidly consolidating environment."

About Kontron
The Kontron Group develops and produces embedded computer systems at various locations around the world. Embedded computers are "electronic brains" based on hardware and software that provide the most varied systems and equipment with intelligence. Kontron AG employs more than 2,500 staff members, of which over one third are engaged in the areas of research, development and engineering. As a global manufacturer, Kontron is present in the three main markets of North America, Europe, and increasingly in China, Russia and Eastern Europe.


Investor Relations:

Gaby Moldan
Kontron AG
Oskar-von-Miller-Str. 1,
85386 Eching ,
Tel: 08165/77212, Fax 08165/77222
Email: Gaby.Moldan@kontron.com

For further information:
Dr. Udo Nimsdorf
Engel & Zimmermann AG
Agentur für Wirtschaftskommunikation
Am Schlosspark 15,
82131 Gauting
Tel. 089-89 35 633, Fax: 089-89 39 84 29