Körber AG plans to acquire Fargo Automation, Inc.

The international technology group Körber, headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, is planning to acquire the company Fargo Automation, Inc., based in Fargo, North Dakota, USA. Fargo Automation designs and manufactures automated packaging equipment for the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. The objective of the acquisition is to further expand the Körber Group’s Business Area Pharma Systems. This Business Area offers solutions for safe and efficient processes in the manufacture and packaging of pharmaceutical products as well as pharmaceutical traceability.

As the holding company of the Business Area Pharma Systems, Körber Medipak Systems AG and its Northern American subsidiary, Körber Medipak Systems NA, Inc., are aiming to utilize the acquisition to extend offerings for their pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical customers. Fargo Automation’s pharmaceutical packaging equipment ‑ which include for instance syringe handling machines ‑ are designed and built specifically to customer’s specifications. In addition Fargo Automation offers advanced integration services, which provide a complete packaging line with all of the mechanical components and controls tied together seamlessly. Fargo Automation, Inc. employs some 70 experts. Within the Körber Business Area Pharma Systems, Fargo Automation will be closely linked to Körber Medipak Systems NA Inc., the sales and service hub for the North American markets.

“We highly welcome the opportunity to expand our activities in the growing pharma market together with Fargo Automation,” emphasized the Chairman of the Executive Board of Körber AG, Stephan Seifert. “Integrating Fargo Automation into our technology portfolio will add exciting new products and solutions for our customers and at the same time will broaden our international footprint.”

“Within our Business Area, Fargo Automation can benefit from our extensive technological know-how and long-time experience in the pharmaceutical market,” added Clemens Berger, CEO of Körber Medipak Systems. “Fargo will be a perfect match for the existing Medipak Systems companies, as the products are complementary to each other. Thus, we will be able to support our customers in the North American markets with a much wider spectrum of integrated offerings.

“Körber will be the ideal strategic partner for us,” said Kevin Biffert, President of Fargo Automation. “Becoming part of Medipak Systems will add value for our existing and potential customers while the acquisition will open up new, long-term and international perspectives for us.”

The acquisition will be subject to the approval of the supervisory board of the Körber AG.