Stellantis sells majority stake in its automation subsidiary Comau
25 July 2024 
The automotive giant Stellantis has sold a majority stake in its robotics and automation subsidiary Comau to the private equity firm One Equity Partners, for an undisclosed sum. The deal will allow Comau to expand beyond the automotive sector, targeting the global growth in demand for industrial automation.
Although details of the transaction have not been revealed, Reuters reports that One Equity will have a 50.1% stake in Comau, with Stellantis keeping a 49.9% share in the business as an “active” minority partner. Reuters also reports that unions in Comau’s Italian home base are opposing the deal and calling on the Italian government to intervene.
The spinoff of Comau is part of a strategic agreement that was signed during the merger between Fiat Chrysler and the PSA group in January 2021 that created Stellantis. Its current brands include Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroën, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot and Vauxhall.
“Comau has positioned itself as a recognised player in the field of automation solutions over the past 50 years,” says Stellantis CEO, Carlos Tavares. “This planned transaction is designed to help Comau achieve autonomy and further strengthen its success in support of all its stakeholders, specifically for their employees and customers. It also gives Stellantis the ability to focus on core business activities in Europe.”
Under its new ownership, Comau will have access to additional funds to enhance and expand its Italian business, and to grow its activities in different sectors.
Comau’s executive chairman Alessandro Nasi and CEO Pietro Gorlier will retain their responsibilities, as will the company’s executive team.
“In its over 50 years of history, Comau has consistently demonstrated the ability to transform its business, technology and approach to innovation,” says Gorlier. “This operation is consistent with Comau’s strategic plan, which aims to expand its business beyond the automotive sector, targeting the global demand growth for industrial automation. This will also consolidate the company’s position as a strong international leader in its sector, maintaining solid Italian roots.”
Comau, whose headquarters are in Turin, employs 3,700 people globally and has 12 manufacturing plants and seven innovation centres, located in 12 countries.
The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2024, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
