BRUSH sweeps up Italian firm in pan-European deal
Loughborough engineering firm BRUSH Group has bought European transformer windings specialist Co.Bo.T for an undisclosed sum.
The deal allows BRUSH to secure a link in its supply chain and creates extra production capacity to support the expansion of the UK electricity grid for years to come. With increasing demand for power transformers, driven by the transition to net zero, the firm says that acquiring Co.Bo.T also has the potential to optimise lead-times for its customers keen to connect to the grid.
Based near Vicenza in Northern Italy, Co.Bo.T supplies major transformer manufacturers across Western Europe – including BRUSH – and has built a strong reputation as a winding specialist in the 33kV-132kV bracket. Last year the firm invested in a major upgrade to its production line and has proven capacity to handle the entire sub-assembly manufacturing process.
Nicolas Pitrat, CEO of BRUSH Group, said: “I’m very excited to welcome Co.Bo.T to the BRUSH family. Their impressive skills and expertise will not only help boost our supply chain, but in joining the Group they will further enhance our comprehensive solutions offering, ensuring we can support our customers every step of the way. Our strategic partnership with Co.Bo.T, combined with the investment in our Loughborough facility, significantly increases our production capability while maintaining our renowned transformer quality.”
Davide Cornale, managing director of Co.Bo.T, said: “Having worked as a key supplier to BRUSH for many years, we are delighted to have the opportunity to become part of the Group. I am proud of what we have achieved over the past 30 years and the deal with BRUSH is a testament to the team’s expertise, the quality of our work and the high level of service we offer – that will continue in the future. The acquisition will also give us the financial backing to drive future growth and better support our customers across Europe.”
As part of BRUSH Group, Co.Bo.T will remain a standalone business. The firm employs a 40-strong team, all of whom will be retained. For Co.Bo.T’s existing customers, all contracts will be honoured under the new ownership with BRUSH.
