United, the two companies will become a French leader in intelligent intralogistics solutions.
Orchestrated by their CEOs, Pierre MAROL and Jean-Luc THOMÉ, the merger between Alstef and BA Robotic Systems Group will give birth to B2A Technology, the new French leader in automated turnkey solutions for the intralogistics, airport and robotics markets.
The project is backed by Future French Champions, the partnership between CDC International Capital and Qatar
Investment Authority, which will own 32% of B2A Technology’s share capital alongside key executives, managers
and employees.
Two mutually-reinforcing businesses sharing a common vision Alstef, an automated handling systems specialist, offers complete intralogistics solutions for high-bay storage and pallet order picking, as well as automated baggage systems for airports. BA Robotic Systems Group is the French leader in intralogistics systems based on AGV (“Automated Guided Vehicles”) technology, and a renowned player in innovative robotics solutions in the medical sector or for the “industry 4.0”.
After several years of cooperation on key intralogistics projects, the CEOs of the two companies have been able
to assess the industrial and technological complementarities of the two companies as well as the compatibility
of their corporate cultures. This new phase in their development will enable the two companies to generate
synergies and is expected to boost their growth both in France and internationally.
Each company will continue to carry out its activities under its own brand and with its own teams. However the
creation of the new group will allow them to offer comprehensive integrated automated handling solutions,
from automated trucks to fully automated warehouses, in order to meet the growing need of their clients.
Pooling know-how and technological expertise to better serve customers
With €100m of combined revenue and a 500 people workforce, B2A Technology will have the means to develop
innovative solutions to meet the logistics and airport industries’ upcoming challenges.
Pierre MAROL, President of Alstef declared: “The combination of our two companies within B2A Technology will
allow us to accelerate our international development. Thanks to the support of our shareholder and of our banking
pool, we now have the means to carry out external growth operations to supplement our offer.”
Jean-Luc THOMÉ, President of BA Robotic Systems Group declared: “Our two companies have experienced many
years of strong organic growth. B2A Technology will allow us to leverage the skills of our teams to continue designing
and implementing the next generations of automated solutions with and for our customers.”
Future French Champions declares “This merger gives birth to a leading engineering player in both automated
handling systems & robotics, two areas of French excellence. The technologies designed and implemented by
both companies stand at the highest level worldwide. We are determined to hasten the new group’s international
development and external growth strategy to enhance its value proposition in terms of targeted geographies and
solutions.”
