M&A: The art of the deal

The Tech Panda takes a look at recent mergers and acquisitions within various tech ecosystems and what that means for industry.

SCIL Acquires Heubach Group

Sudarshan Chemical Industries Limited (“SCIL” or “Company”) entered into a definitive agreement with the Germany-based Heubach Group, on its acquisition in a combination of an asset and share deal. This strategic acquisition will create a global pigment company, combining SCIL’s operations and expertise with Heubach’s technological capabilities.

Rajesh Rathi, Managing Director of SCIL said, “We are delighted with this transaction that brings together two businesses that will cater to major global markets. We will carefully integrate these two companies to create a truly global pigments company, with Frankfurt remaining a strategically important location. SCIL is known for its agility and efficiency, and we will embed this culture throughout the combined company to make it one of the most customer-centric and profitable pigment companies.”

Bram D’hondt from Heubach, said, “By joining hands with SCIL, we aim to reclaim our 200+ years of legacy of serving customers with high quality products. Together, we will shape the future of the pigments industry by building on the ethos of customer centricity and product excellence. Our combined capabilities will enable us to serve our customers better. We look forward to working with SCIL as we enter this next chapter.”

Why It Matters

Post-acquisition, the combined company will have a broad pigment portfolio of high-quality products and a strong presence in major markets including Europe and the Americas. It will enhance SCIL’s product portfolio, giving it access to customers and a diversified asset footprint across 19 sites globally.

Jetapult Acquires UMX Studio

Accel-backed Jetapult, a global strategic investment company in the gaming landscape, takes a major stake in UMX Studio, one of the first homegrown game development studios in Saudi Arabia. The company invested $4.5 M in an all cash transaction.

Sharan Tulsiani, the Co-founder and CEO of Jetapult, said, “Jetapult’s investment in UMX goes beyond providing capital; we bring a wealth of proven gaming expertise and cutting-edge technology to this partnership. Sharing a unified vision with Ali, this collaboration will not only unlock UMX’s global potential but also contribute to the growth of local talent and enhance gaming experiences across the Middle East’s vibrant development ecosystem.”

Ali Alharbi, Founder UMX stated, “This significant investment from Jetapult not only marks a milestone for UMX Studio but also heralds a new era for the Saudi Arabian gaming industry. We are thrilled to partner with a globally recognized leader in the gaming investments space. This collaboration will not only accelerate our expansion but also empower us with advanced tools and expertise. In partnership with Jetapult we are committed to setting new benchmarks and establishing a solid foundation for nurturing and expanding Saudi Arabia’s gaming talent.”

Why It Matters

The investment comes in the context of the exponential growth of the gaming and e-sports sector in the MENA region, and with the Saudi National Gaming and Esports entity aiming to make the country a global gaming hub by 2030. In 2023, gaming revenues in the MENA were approximately $7.2 B, with Saudi Arabia emerging as a key growth player and is home to 23.5 M gaming enthusiasts.

Kramer Acquires ZeeVee Inc.

Kramer, a provider of advanced audio-visual solutions, acquired ZeeVee Inc., a pioneer in AVoIP (Audio-Video over Internet Protocol). This strategic move aligns with Kramer’s commitment to invest in AVoIP and position the company at the forefront of technological advancements in this domain.

Gilad Yron, CEO of Kramer, commented, “The acquisition of ZeeVee reinforces our commitment to leading the AVoIP market. ZeeVee’s innovative solutions and industry leadership align seamlessly with our strategic vision, and together, we will drive the next wave of technological convergence. This move not only enhances our portfolio but also accelerates our growth and innovation, ensuring we continue to provide comprehensive audio-visual solutions to our customers. Additionally, both companies’ customers and partners will now benefit from access to the combined portfolio of products and services.”

ZeeVee CEO, Bob Michaels, added, “Joining forces with Kramer is a thrilling opportunity for ZeeVee. Our combined expertise and resources will accelerate the adoption of AVoIP technologies, delivering unmatched value to our customers and partners worldwide. We are excited to be part of a company that shares our vision for the future of IT and AV integration.”

Why It Matters

ZeeVee, a founding member of the SDVoE Alliance, brings advanced technologies and expertise that will enable Kramer to offer a wider portfolio and accelerate growth and innovation. ZeeVee has been at the forefront of IT and AV convergence, leading the industry with innovative solutions and a forward-thinking approach.

Abhay HealthTech Pvt. Ltd. Acquires MNP Healthcare Pvt. Ltd.

Abhay HealthTech Pvt. Ltd. (AHPL), a company in the Indian OTC healthcare market, announced the acquisition of MNP Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., an established consumer healthcare products manufacturer based in Faridabad. This strategic acquisition is a significant milestone in Abhay HealthTech’s ambitious expansion plans, reinforcing its presence in the OTC (over the counter) consumer healthcare sector.

“This acquisition marks a pivotal step in Abhay HealthTech’s journey to become a dominant player in the healthcare sector,” said Sougat Chatterjee, Co-founder and CEO of Abhay HealthTech. “By joining forces with MNP Healthcare, we are not only expanding our product portfolio but also solidifying our commitment to delivering top-quality healthcare products to more consumers.”

“We are excited about this partnership with Abhay HealthTech. This collaboration will allow us to expand our reach while maintaining our commitment towards providing high quality innovative products. We look forward to this new chapter with a trusted partner like Abhay HealthTech” said Mohanlal Yadav, Managing Director of MNP Healthcare.

Why It Matters

This acquisition is a key part of Abhay HealthTech’s consolidation strategy to collaborate with industry leaders and expand its footprint in the competitive healthcare market. 

Cyient Acquires Azimuth AI

Cyient, a global Intelligent Engineering services company, announced the acquisition of a 27.3% stake in Azimuth AI, a fabless custom ASIC company known for its expertise in intelligent energy and power solutions.

Krishna Bodanapu, Executive Vice-Chairman & Managing Director of Cyient, said, “Driven by the Indian Government’s initiatives to boost domestic innovation in semiconductors, India is emerging as a hub for chip development, especially in power and energy-efficient systems. In July this year, we announced the strategic expansion of our Semiconductor business with the establishment of a fully owned subsidiary. Investing in Azimuth AI strengthens our focus on building cutting-edge ASIC chips designed and developed in India — for the world. It further enhances our capabilities in this critical space while reinforcing our commitment to next-gen power and energy solutions. We look forward to this partnership.”

Praveen Yasarapu, Founder and CEO of Azimuth AI, said, “We are pleased to embark on this journey with Cyient. The synergies between our companies are clear, and we are eager to leverage Cyient’s deep expertise in ASIC design, coupled with their proven ability to deliver high-quality, innovative solutions across multiple industries. Together, we aim to deliver groundbreaking solutions that will push the boundaries of semiconductor technology for the global as well as Indian market.” 

Why It Matters

This strategic investment marks a significant milestone in Cyient’s semiconductor journey and demonstrates the continued focus to drive accelerated growth in this industry.