We analyse the recent acquisition of the industrial automation expert IDS by Ibermática, in which the venture capital firm Proa Capital has a stake. Industry 4.0 is starting to pick up investment speed.

IDS and industrial automation

IDS Industrial has 25 years of experience in the design and development of turnkey projects in areas such as industrial process automation, technological renovation of processes, regulation and control systems, industrial communication and industrial software. It is also the manufacturer of the MES enntte software, designed to create the intelligent plant: with specialised modules for warehouse optimisation, internal logistics, production, quality, maintenance and traceability.

Its product/service portfolio is structured in two areas. On the one hand, the 'Automation Area', in which it provides services in the field of process automation through the supply of electrical and electronic control systems, as well as the corresponding engineering services. On the other hand, the 'Industrial Software Area', which includes the supply of supervision and control solutions, industrial monitoring, automated inspection, process integration, as well as being a manufacturer of MES software.

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Ibermática was acquired by the private equity firm Proa Capital in 2013 in a process of MBO after the forced exit of the savings banks from their business holdings. Since then, the company has shown great financial solvency and profitability, but has not been able to offer growth, which may lower the selling price in the face of a corporate transaction.

The transaction was carried out in two phases with an initial acquisition of the 50% and the acquisition of the remaining 50% with the completion of the growth plan.

Manufacturing SW investment analysis

As a sign of the tech giants' potential interest in this sector, last year Apple announced the formation of a 1,000M$ fund dedicated to investing in the development of advanced manufacturing in the United States of America.

Recently, we mentioned how Sothis (Mercadona Group), a company specialising in the development and implementation of technological solutions for industry, has signed an agreement integrating Ininfa, thus becoming a benchmark in the production and traceability management system (MES/MOM) of the Siemens solution, Simantic IT.

Maketime is a clear example of where additive manufacturing (3D printing) and subtractive manufacturing (machining) play an important role in the industrial economy of the future. Founded by CEO Drura Parrish, an architect turned manufacturing entrepreneur, MakeTime is an online capacity utilisation marketplace for machining. The company provides a way for computerised machining companies to offer their customised part manufacturing services during times when these machines are typically idle.