As an industry leader, based on the core position of long-term and future automation trends
·Expected to complete the listing plan in the second quarter of 2026
·It is expected that the equity of the listed company will be distributed to ABB shareholders in the form of physical dividends according to the existing shareholding ratio of ABB shareholders
On April 17th, ABB announced that it will initiate relevant procedures and plan to submit them for review at the 2026 annual shareholders' meeting. The decision is to implement a 100% spin off of its robot business unit, with the goal of promoting the business to be listed as an independent listed company in the second quarter of 2026.
ABB Chairman Fu Sai said, "The board of directors believes that listing the robotics business independently will optimize the potential of both companies in customer value creation, business growth, and talent attraction. A more focused governance structure and capital allocation will benefit both parties. ABB will continue to advance its long-term strategy with its leading position in the fields of electricity and automation
As a technology leader in the field of automation, ABB's robotics business provides intelligent automation solutions to help global customers improve production efficiency, enhance flexibility, and simplify processes, effectively addressing challenges such as labor shortages and sustainable development. With the most comprehensive product portfolio in the industry, including autonomous mobile robots, as well as software, artificial intelligence, and industry expertise, ABB provides differentiated solutions for traditional and emerging industries, creating value for customers. Currently, over 80% of its product portfolio has achieved software and artificial intelligence empowerment.
ABB Group CEO Martin said: ABB's robotics business is an industry leader with limited business and technology synergies with other business units within the group, and faces different market demands and characteristics. We believe that this spin off will help ABB Group and independent companies focused on robotics to achieve value creation
ABB's robot business unit is among the best in its class. After adopting the ABB Way vertical operation model, the department has maintained double-digit profit margins for most quarters since 2019, demonstrating its business resilience. Previously, the market experienced abnormal fluctuations due to pre order behavior caused by supply chain tension and the subsequent normalization of order patterns. The current market has stabilized, driving the growth of orders in this department. The new company will independently go public with a strong capital structure, good investment conditions, stable cash flow, and localized production and operation layout - with regional manufacturing centers in Europe (Sweden), Asia (China), and the Americas (United States).
The ABB Robotics business unit has approximately 7000 employees. In 2024, the department achieved sales revenue of $2.3 billion, accounting for approximately 7% of ABB Group's total revenue, with an operating profit margin before interest, tax, and amortization of 12.1%.
If the relevant proposal is approved by shareholders, the split plan will be carried out through share distribution. Shareholders of ABB Ltd. will receive shares in the newly listed company (tentatively named "ABB Robotics") as physical dividends based on their existing shareholding ratio.
Starting from the first quarter of 2026, the Mechanical Automation business unit, which currently belongs to the Robotics and Discrete Automation Division along with ABB's Robotics business, will be merged into the Process Automation Division. This move will benefit all business units from the synergistic effects of software and control technology, enhancing customer value creation capabilities, especially in the mixed industry sector. The mechanical automation business holds a leading position in high-end solutions based on programmable logic controllers (PLCs), industrial computers (IPC), servo motion, industrial conveying systems, and visual software. According to the ABB Way operating model, the department's strategy and key tasks are still managed by the department management team.