• Provider of leveling lasers for professional users and do-it-yourselfers
• RoboToolz employs roughly 250 associates in China, the U.S., and Germany

Stuttgart / Shanghai/ Hongkong –Bosch has acquired the assets of RoboToolz Ltd., headquartered in Hong Kong. In purchasing this specialized leveling-laser business, Bosch is boosting its Power Tools division, and further expanding its activities in the globally dynamic measuring-tools segment. RoboToolz is a leading manufacturer of innovative leveling-laser products, with four locations: two in China (Hong Kong and Dong Guan), and one each in the U.S. ( Mountain View) and Germany ( Munich). In 2006, the company and its roughly 250 associates generated sales of some 11 million U.S. dollars (8.8 million euros). The companies have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.

“In acquiring RoboToolz, we are continuing our growth course in the promising segment of measuring tools,” said Uwe Raschke, president of the Power Tools division. “This segment has huge global potential. We want to exploit it,” Raschke continued. Intelligent measuring tools such as laser measuring devices, detection devices, and leveling lasers make it easier for professional users and do-it-yourselfers to plan and perform work. For example, gradients, angles, or distances can be measured precisely. Bosch is a leading supplier in the measuring-tools growth segment for do-it-yourselfers and professionals. As the innovation leader, Bosch offers professional users a product range that includes the world's smallest laser measuring device. Bosch was also the first company to successfully introduce a laser measuring device in the European DIY market.

With power tools, accessories, garden tools, and measuring technology, the Bosch Power Tools division in 2006 generated sales of 2.8 billion euros. Of this total, 90 percent was generated outside Germany. The division employs a global workforce of roughly 14,500 associates.

About the Bosch Group

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology, some 280,000 associates generated sales of 45.1 billion euros in fiscal 2008. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 300 subsidiaries and regional companies in over 60 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. Each year, Bosch spends more than 3.5 billion euros, or eight percent of its sales revenue, for research and development, and applies for over 3,000 patents worldwide. With all its products and services, Bosch enhances the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial.

The company was set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as “Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering.” The special ownership structure of Robert Bosch GmbH guarantees the entrepreneurial freedom of the Bosch Group, making it possible for the company to plan over the long term and to undertake significant up-front investments in the safeguarding of its future. Ninety-two percent of the share capital of Robert Bosch GmbH is held by Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH, a charitable foundation. The majority of voting rights are held by Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand KG, an industrial trust. The entrepreneurial ownership functions are carried out by the trust. The remaining shares are held by the Bosch family and by Robert Bosch GmbH.

About Bosch in China

Bosch founded its first trading office in China as early as 1909. In 1926, the first car service workshop opened in Shanghai. Today, all Bosch business sectors are present in China: Automotive Technology, Industrial Technology and Consumer Goods and Building Technology. The company operates 44 legal entities in China and has a holding company in Shanghai. Consolidated sales in China reached 2.2 billion euros in 2008. Some 20,200 Bosch associates in all legal entities and facilities are committed to bringing to Chinese customers the latest technology as well as the most reliable services to help improve their quality of life.

For more information on Bosch China, please visit http://www.bosch.com.cn

News sourc: Bosch China
Publish date: Jan. 2008