3D Systems to Acquire Robtec to Expand Their Quickparts Service

The acquisitions continue to pile up for one of the world’s largest 3D printing companies, 3D Systems (DDD). Today they announced that they have agreed to acquire the largest Latin-American additive manufacturing service bureau, Robtec.

Robtec, headquartered in Sao Paulo, Brazil, with additional offices in Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Uruguay, and China, will bring with it decades of additive manufacturing service bureau experience. The main selling point of this acquisition was the fact that the company will almost immediately add revenues to 3D Systems’ top line, while providing 3D Systems with a key ingredient to the expansion of their Quickparts® service offerings.

“We believe that the strong strategic and cultural fit between our companies, combined with Robtec’s on-the-ground additive manufacturing service bureau capabilities, expanded channel coverage and deep automotive and aerospace customer relationships could present significant benefits for our customers, sizeable growth opportunities for us and greater value for our shareholders,” commented Avi Reichental, President and CEO, 3DS.

In addition to their strong presence in Latin America, Robtec also brings with it, long term relationships with companies like Fiat, Mercedes, Visteon, Siemens, Embraer, Volkswagen, and CenPra. Once the acquisition is complete, Robtec will become, “3D Systems Latin America,” as it will be a cornerstone for their Latin American expansion plans.

“We are excited to become part of 3D Systems, a leading provider of the most complete portfolio of 3D content-to-print solutions available today,” said Pablo Elenter, President, Robtec. “We plan to leverage our collective knowledge and experience for the benefit of our customers by building stronger local presence and immediately delivering the full range of 3DS products and services throughout the region.”

The deal will close within the next 90 days, with 70% ownership being acquired immediately after closing, and the other 30% being obtained by 3D Systems in 5 years. Fears of larger companies like Hewlett Packard entering the 3D printing market, have sparked what seems to be an all out acquisition spree by the two major players in the 3D printing space. Stratasys and 3D Systems have acquired several decently sized companies in the last month alone. Discuss this acquisition of Robtec at 3dprintboard.