DGAP-News

MAX Group invests in growth market digitalization through strategic investment in ESSERT GmbH

DGAP-News: MAX Automation AG / Key word(s): Investment
MAX Group invests in growth market digitalization through strategic
investment in ESSERT GmbH

10.01.2017 / 08:16
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

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PRESS RELEASE

MAX Group invests in growth market digitalization through strategic
investment in ESSERT GmbH

- Innovative business model in Industry 4.0

- Expert on Augmented Reality and Smart Services with a strong market
position

Düsseldorf, January 10, 2017 - MAX Automation AG, a company that
specializes in high-tech mechanical engineering, has agreed on a stake in
ESSERT GmbH out of Ubstadt-Weiher (near Karlsruhe) in Baden-Württemberg,
Germany. ESSERT is an expert in the area of industrial automation,
particularly in the digitalization of automation processes and the
development of related technology and software. MAX Automation's investment
is essentially the result of a capital increase by ESSERT and amounts to a
minority interest to start with. The investment volume is in the mid-
single-digit million-euro range. MAX Automation is also being given the
option to gradually expand its shares over the coming years.

ESSERT GmbH was founded in 2009 as a provider of automation and control
technology solutions for mechanical engineering and currently employs 45
people. The number of employees is expected to grow to 80 by the end of
2017. Its current product and service spectrum includes complete solutions
for industrial and collaborating robots that work directly with people to
enhance performance. ESSERT benefits from the ever-increasing demand for
industrial automation in medium-sized businesses.

Future market of Augmented Reality
A key feature of ESSERT is the development of a software platform for
industrial Augmented Reality applications. This pertains particularly to
digital connectivity in assembly and production as well as so-called Smart
Services, such as in machine and system maintenance and commissioning as
well as in employee training. ESSERT has developed an industrial app store
as an important component of its offerings and is the only vendor on the
market that works exclusively with standardized solutions.

Since its market entry in the field of Augmented Automation, the company
has received a very positive reception from leading industrial figures. Its
customers include well-known mechanical engineering firms, global
production companies and manufacturers of remote maintenance products. For