PRESS RELEASE

MAX Group invests in growth market digitalization through strategic investment in ESSERT GmbH

Düsseldorf, January 10, 2017 - MAX Automation AG, a company that specializes in high-tech mechanical engineering, has agreed on a stake in ESSERT GmbH out of Ubstadt-Weiher (near Karlsruhe) in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. ESSERT is an expert in the area of industrial automation, particularly in the digitalization of automation processes and the development of related technology and software. MAX Automation's investment is essentially the result of a capital increase by ESSERT and amounts to a minority interest to start with. The investment volume is in the mid-single-digit million-euro range. MAX Automation is also being given the option to gradually expand its shares over the coming years.

ESSERT GmbH was founded in 2009 as a provider of automation and control technology solutions for mechanical engineering and currently employs 45 people. The number of employees is expected to grow to 80 by the end of 2017. Its current product and service spectrum includes complete solutions for industrial and collaborating robots that work directly with people to enhance performance. ESSERT benefits from the ever-increasing demand for industrial automation in medium-sized businesses.

Future market of Augmented Reality
A key feature of ESSERT is the development of a software platform for industrial Augmented Reality applications. This pertains particularly to digital connectivity in assembly and production as well as so-called Smart Services, such as in machine and system maintenance and commissioning as well as in employee training. ESSERT has developed an industrial app store as an important component of its offerings and is the only vendor on the market that works exclusively with standardized solutions.

Since its market entry in the field of Augmented Automation, the company has received a very positive reception from leading industrial figures. Its customers include well-known mechanical engineering firms, global production companies and manufacturers of remote maintenance products. For instance, Siemens and Phoenix Contact market solutions from ESSERT in conjunction with their own products.

ESSERT's solutions are moving the company into a dynamically growing market environment. A significant increase in the digitalization of industrial value chains is expected within the next five years. With its stake in ESSERT, MAX Automation has significantly expanded its expertise in software development for Industry 4.0 applications as well as in collaborative robotics. This nurtures important synergies with MAX Group subsidiaries. Both companies have already been working together for two years.

Daniel Fink, CEO of MAX Automation AG: "ESSERT has developed rapidly and is pursuing ambitious growth plans. The company is operating in promising future markets because the use of connected automation processes is becoming increasingly important. With its solutions, ESSERT is forging ahead with digital transformation in small and medium-sized businesses. The stake in ESSERT is an important step in our strategy to expand our expertise in digital automation."

Christopher Essert, Managing Director of ESSERT GmbH: "With MAX Automation AG's strategic investment, we will be able to accelerate the further development of our software platform on the market. At the same time, we have an important financial basis for sustainable growth. With this intended internationalization, we want to gain further market shares and offer our customers the advantages of international structures. We therefore regard MAX Automation's investment as an important step in setting new standards in a highly dynamic market."

Contact:
Frank Elsner / Frank Paschen
Frank Elsner Kommunikation für Unternehmen GmbH
Phone: +49 - 5404 - 91 92 0
Fax: +49 - 5404 - 91 92 29

About MAX Automation AG
MAX Automation AG (Securities Identification Number: A2DA58) with its headquarters in Düsseldorf is an internationally active high-tech mechanical engineering Group and a leading full-service supplier of integrated and sophisticated system and component solutions. Its operational business is divided into two segments. In the Industrial Automation segment, the Group is considered to be a trendsetter in the development and manufacturing of integrated and proprietary solutions for use in manufacturing and assembly in the automotive industry, medical technology, packaging machines and the electronics industry due to its comprehensive technological know-how. In the Environmental Technology segment, MAX Automation develops and installs innovative systems for use by the recycling, energy and raw materials industries.
www.maxautomation.de

About ESSERT GmbH
ESSERT GmbH, based in Ubstadt-Weiher, was founded in 2009 as an automation specialist. Since then, the company has been continuously developed and is divided into three business areas: Control Systems, Intelligent Robotics and Augmented Automation. In the field of Augmented Automation, the company has positioned itself in recent years as one of the leading manufacturers of standardized, industrial Augmented Reality solutions.
www.essert.com