Stellantis Completes Sale of Majority Stake in Automation Specialist Comau to One Equity Partners

Stellantis has finalized the sale of its majority stake in Italian automation company Comau to One Equity Partners (OEP), a deal initially announced in July 2024. Comau, a key player in battery production for electric vehicles, will now operate under the majority ownership of OEP while Stellantis retains a minority stake.

The decision to spin off Comau was outlined in the 2021 merger agreement between PSA and FCA, which created Stellantis. With the transaction now complete, Stellantis emphasized that the move aligns with its strategy to focus on core business activities in Europe while enabling Comau to pursue enhanced growth and innovation. Although financial terms were not disclosed, Stellantis remains a major customer of Comau, whose technologies, such as robotics systems, support the production of vehicles like the electric Fiat 500 and battery systems for joint ventures like ACC.

Comau’s leadership will remain unchanged under the new ownership. Alessandro Nasi will continue as Executive Chairman, while Pietro Gorlier retains his role as CEO. Gorlier expressed optimism about the partnership, stating, “The support of One Equity Partners will allow us to capitalize on the growing global demand for advanced automation. This arrangement preserves our deep-rooted Italian identity while reaffirming Comau’s position as a leading international player in industrial automation.”

OEP Partner Ante Kusurin highlighted Comau’s strong robotics expertise and growth potential, adding, “We are well-positioned to help drive Comau’s next phase of growth as an independent company, utilizing our operational expertise in carve-out transactions.”

Stellantis Chairman John Elkann thanked Comau’s workforce for their contributions and expressed confidence in the company’s future under its new ownership. He remarked that Comau’s leadership and strategy would ensure sustainable growth and create long-term value for stakeholders worldwide. Meanwhile, Stellantis, under an Interim Executive Committee led by Elkann, continues its search for a new CEO following Carlos Tavares’ departure in December.