Parker Hannifin has formed an alliance with the Californian motor controls specialist Animatics in a bid to take the lead in the servo market.

The alliance provides "an immediate opportunity to combine our high-performance servo motors with Animatics` patented, integrated control technology, to establish a market leadership position for Parker," says Roy Glassett, vice-president of operations in Parker`s automation group.

Parker will incorporate Animatics` controllers into motors produced by its Compumotor division. It will have access to new Animatics products and will develop products jointly with the Californian company, which markets its technology under the SmartMotors name.

"While we do a good job of acquiring companies and supporting both product development and manufacturing efforts, some technology and market opportunities are best assessed by these types of relationships," says Bob Bond, president of Parker`s automation group. "This is a strategic alliance that gives our group the ability to serve growing demand in our core markets."

According to Robert Bigler, Animatic`s chief executive, "integrated servo represents one of the fastest-growing segments of the motion control market, and this agreement will accelerate that even further."

• Parker Hannifin has spent $21m to acquire a 40% stake in the Japanese hydraulic equipment manufacturer, Taiyo, making it the largest shareholder. The two companies will co-operate on developments and use each other`s sales networks. Taiyo is Japan`s largest maker of hydraulic cylinders .