HOERBIGER to acquire Physik Instrumente

Physik Instrumente (PI), a family-owned global leader in precision motion and positioning technologies, has signed an agreement to be acquired by HOERBIGER, a diversified technology group with global operations. For PI, joining HOERBIGER represents a significant step in advancing its entrepreneurial ambitions in innovation and sustainable growth. For HOERBIGER, the acquisition will accelerate its transformation by providing the opportunity to expand into new growth markets.

Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Karlsruhe, Germany, PI is globally renowned for its high-precision motion and positioning solutions, including piezoelectric drives, linear actuators, rotary tables and multi-axis systems. PI’s technologies play a critical role in enabling progress in industries such as semiconductor manufacturing, photonics, microscopy, metrology and medical devices. PI operates on a global scale, with nine production sites in Europe, North America, and Asia, as well as 16 sales and service subsidiaries.

Markus Spanner, CEO of PI, says: “Joining HOERBIGER marks an exciting new chapter for us and represents the natural next step in PI’s evolution. Together with HOERBIGER, PI will continue its mission of leading in precision motion and positioning technology while remaining true to its culture and values.”

PI's global operations, with 1,900 employees worldwide, will form the new Positioning Division within the HOERBIGER portfolio. PI will remain a standalone operating unit, retaining its name, brand, and global market presence.

HOERBIGER, owned by the HOERBIGER Foundation, has been successfully pursuing a strategy of profitable growth. The acquisition of PI marks another milestone in the transformation of HOERBIGER, enabling the company to expand into new markets driven by long-term, sustainable growth trends. At the same time, it builds on HOERBIGER’s 130-year heritage and enduring commitment to innovation and sustainable value creation.

Dr. Thorsten Kahlert, CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board of HOERBIGER, says: “PI and HOERBIGER are an incredibly good fit. Both companies share the same values, have a strong focus on customer-driven innovation and are leaders in their respective markets with their performance-defining products. We are very excited to be partnering with the PI team and we are confident that joining forces will strengthen both companies going forward.”

The signing of the agreement represents a key milestone toward the completion of the acquisition, which is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close in Q1 of 2026. Until the closing is completed, PI and HOERBIGER will continue to operate independently. The parties have agreed not to disclose the price of the transaction. 

For more information on PI and HOERBIGER visit www.physikinstrumente.com and www.hoerbiger.com