AU Optronics Corp. (AUO) announced the successful acquisition of Behr-Hella Thermocontrol GmbH (BHTC) for an enterprise value of 600 million euros, equivalent to approximately NT$20.4 billion. This acquisition, officially completed today, catapults AUO into the forefront of the smart mobile ecosystem, promising a synergistic fusion of resources and expertise that aims to redefine automotive human-machine interfaces (HMI) and air conditioning controls through advanced display and micro-LED technologies.
AUO’s acquisition of BHTC is more than a merger; it’s a strategic expansion designed to diversify product offerings and enhance the design and functionality of smart cockpits, emphasizing energy efficiency and high-value technological innovation. This collaboration is set to improve supply chain resilience, positioning AUO as a Tier 1 supplier with deeper connections to international OEM car manufacturers, thereby expanding its market reach and intelligence.
The merger leverages BHTC’s established presence across several key global markets, including Germany, the USA, China, India, Japan, Bulgaria, Mexico, and Finland, and its advanced R&D capabilities in Europe and India. Coupled with AUO’s strong foothold in Asia and North America, this strategic alliance is poised to accelerate certification processes, shorten development cycles, and establish AUO as a premier provider of intelligent mobility solutions.
Looking ahead, AUO anticipates this merger to not only augment its automotive revenue stream but also to catalyze growth in vertical domains, fostering global industrial synergies and addressing the localized demands of automotive manufacturers. AUO’s CEO, Ke Furen, envisions this merger as a pivotal step towards executing long-term strategies, enhancing the automotive supply and value chain’s connectivity, and seizing market opportunities with strategic poise.
Chairman Peng Shuanglang’s vision for AUO extends beyond the immediate gains of the merger, focusing on cultural integration, leveraging German engineering excellence, and enhancing cross-border collaboration to elevate industrial competitiveness on a global scale. This acquisition marks a milestone in AUO’s journey, signifying a bold step towards shaping the future of smart mobility and sustaining growth and success in the automotive industry.
