Hoofddorp, The Netherlands – OMRON Europe B.V. and Power Technologies (Pty) Ltd (Powertech), a subsidiary of the JSE-listed Altron Group, are pleased to announce the finalization of OMRON Electronics (Pty) Ltd’s acquisition of Yelland Control from Powertech on April 1, 2008. Yelland Control will be merged with OMRON Electronics (Pty) Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of OMRON Europe B.V., which began operations on May 1, 2007. The company will handle sales and servicing of OMRON control equipment in Southern Africa.

OMRON’s decision to acquire Yelland Control was based on accelerating global technology developments in automation as well as the company’s strategy to get closer to its African target market through direct representation in South Africa. OMRON is confident that the move will allow it to better serve its customers of factory automation and sensing products in the country.

The acquisition includes the entire Yelland Control business as a going concern with all staff and assets.

Yelland Control has been a business partner of OMRON for 40 years and has built an excellent reputation in the South African automation market. As OMRON Electronics (Pty) Ltd, the company will continue to serve its customers with a full array of control products, including sensors, components, controllers (PLCs, motion controllers, inverters, servos) and networking systems, and enhanced technical support, servicing and delivery.

Norbert Claussen, CEO of Powertech, comments, “We are convinced that this transaction is in the best interest of the customer as well as Yelland Control as a growing business. We thank Yelland Control’s staff and its customers for their loyal support over the many decades and wish the new OMRON company the best of success with its endeavors.”

Customers benefiting from the strengthened OMRON organization are chiefly in the food and beverage, packaging, mining, security and automotive industries. The South African market is experiencing a sustained boom and is generally acknowledged to have the best business infrastructure in Africa. The mining and industrial area in Johannesburg, as well as the automotive industry in Durban, are expected to be key target areas for new business. Going forward, it is expected that OMRON Electronics (Pty) Ltd will be a base for all sub-Saharan business.

OMRON would like to thank Powertech and Yelland Control for representing its brand in a positive, professional manner.

OMRON Europe B.V. Acquires Yelland Control from Powertech