Berner & Mattner joins Assystem Group

Berner & Mattner Systemtechnik GmbH, specializing in specification, development and test of complex electronic systems, joins the French Assystem group, thus setting the stage for intensified international engagement in the growing market of embedded systems. Hence the leading international engineering and innovation consultancy based in Paris has signed an agreement to acquire 100 % of Berner & Mattner. The agreement stipulates that Berner & Mattner Systemtechnik GmbH is being integrated into the Assystem group as an independent unit and without any change in either staff or organization.

"We are looking forward to joining Assystem and giving a new dimension to the business I founded 30 years ago. With the growth prospects in embedded systems in Germany and worldwide, I believe it is the right time to benefit from the scale and reputation of an international company whose engineering skills are valued by leading market players," comments Hans Berner, CEO and founder of Berner & Mattner.

In 2010, Berner & Mattner achieved total revenues of 28 million euros. Founded in 1979 by Hans Berner and Adolf Mattner, the company has achieved an average growth of 25 % over the past four years. In order to embrace the strong growth in the embedded market and therefore achieve a more international position, the company had been looking for a partner with access to both additional markets and offshoring capabilities. Through the integration of Berner & Mattner, the Assystem group - a company listed on the stock exchange with more than 8,500 employees throughout the world - increases its number of employees to 1,100 in Germany, enhances its presence in this important market and gains crucial competitive edges in the fields of aerospace, automotive, defence and transportation in Europe.

Continuity of personnel

Berner & Mattner's management team remains in position in order to successfully continue running the company and to contribute to the building up of a stronger Assystem group in Germany. Through the acquisition of Berner & Mattner Systemtechnik GmbH Assystem strengthens its position in the fields of embedded systems, IT and electronics, thus achieving revenues close to 100 million euros in this sole segment. Both companies benefit from strong complementary customer portfolios.

"We are pleased to welcome the team of Berner & Mattner within Assystem. Their engineering excellence and highly valued skills will enhance our offering towards our customers. Building on our position in aerospace, their expertise in the automotive and transportation industries will boost our market coverage in Germany and make of Assystem a stronger local player," adds Ulrich Feik, CEO of Assystem in Germany.

This acquisition will be completed in the days to come, upon confirmation of the local competition authorities' agreement.

About Assystem, Paris

Assystem is an international engineering and innovation consultancy. As a key participant in the industry for more than 40 years, Assystem supports its customers in developing their products and managing their capital expenditure throughout the product life cycle. Assystem employs more than 8,500 people worldwide and reported €613 million in revenue in 2009. Assystem is listed at NYSE Euronext Paris - Compartment B (Code ISIN: FR0000074148 - ASY).

More information on www.assystem.com.

In Germany, Assystem employs more than 800 people in three main businesses: Assystem Aerospace Germany GmbH, Atena Engineering GmbH and SILVER ATENA Electronic Systems Engineering GmbH.