07. November 2023

ARQIS has advised KUKA AG with its Finnish subsidiary Visual Components Co., Ltd. on its joint venture with Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. The joint venture called ME Industrial Simulation Software Co., Ltd., will develop and sell 3D simulators. The shareholding ratio is 70% Mitsubishi Electric and 30% Visual Components.

Visual Components is one of the pioneers of the 3D manufacturing simulation industry. In 2017, KUKA – one of the world’s leading suppliers of intelligent automation solutions – acquired Visual Components with the aim to define the next level in intelligent automation.

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation is a recognized world leader in the manufacture, marketing and sales of electrical and electronic equipment used in information processing and communications, space development and satellite communications, consumer electronics, industrial technology, energy, transportation and building equipment. In 2022 they launched the "MELSOFT Gemini" 3D simulator, which provides a digital twin platform that uses 3D to build production equipment and lines in digital space and reduces man-hours during design, equipment, and line start-up, thereby providing TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) for customers in the engineering chain of the manufacturing industry.

The joint venture aims to maximize synergies by combining Visual Components' superior 3D simulation software with Mitsubishi Electric's manufacturing know-how. The Joint Venture Partners intend to enhance the digital twin platform, accelerate the realization of digital manufacturing, and contribute to strengthening the competitiveness of their customers.

ARQIS advised KUKA AG with a combined team from the Dusseldorf and the Tokyo office. The mandate goes back to Lead Partner Dr. Lars Laeger, who has already advised KUKA on transactions in the past.

Advisors to KUKA AG
ARQIS (Dusseldorf): Dr. Lars Laeger (Lead; M&A), Thomas Chwalek (M&A); Counsel: Dr. Nima Hanifi-Atashgah (M&A)
ARQIS (Tokio): Ulrich Kirchhoff, Yutaka Nakagawa, Kenichi Takasugi (Corporate Law, Foreign Investment Law)

Competition Law: Evelyn Niitväli, Niitväli Competition Law

KUKA Inhouse Advisors:
KUKA Corporate Legal: Florian Dorow (Associate General Counsel), Maximilian Schmid (Senior Legal Counsel)