ABB expects revenue from its automation products division to grow by around 8% over the period 2007-2011, and to produce an EBIT (earnings before interest and taxes) of 14-19% during this period. This would make automation the biggest earner of ABB’s five divisions. The robotics division, by comparison, is expected to grow by around 6% over the same period, with an EBIT in the range 5-10%.
The figures come from ABB’s recently published mid-term strategy in which it says it hopes to increases its revenues organically almost twice as fast as the market, and three times faster than global GDP.
Recent speculation in the Swedish press has suggested that cash-rich ABB is ready to make its first major acquisition in 15 years, with Rockwell Automation mentioned as a possible target. According to its mid-term strategy statement, ABB says it "continues to assess potential acquisitions that fill technology or regional gaps, create strategic and financial value, and can be successfully integrated".
º A recent study of the $14bn global market for automation services placed ABB in the top slot. The survey, conducted by the ARC Advisory Group, predicted that the market will be worth $24.9bn by 2011.