ELEKTRON AG invests in the field of renewable energies
Increase for Zurich-based ELEKTRON AG: The technology company takes over eco energie A+ AG from Schöftland in Aargau. The eco energie A+ AG with 16 employees is specialized in photovoltaic systems, heat pumps, e-mobility and energy consulting. ELEKTRON AG is thus expanding its portfolio in the field of renewable energies and sustainability in the building sector. In the interview, the two CEOs tell why the business acquisition is a win-win for all involved.
Enrico Baumann, CEO of ELEKTRON AG (right) together with Urs Lüscher from eco energie A+ AG.
Enrico Baumann, it took less than eight months from the 1st telephone conversation to the takeover of eco energie A+ AG. What's the catch?
Enrico Baumann: (Laughs). There isn't one. We were actually in agreement from the very first conversation. The basis for this was the trust between the managing director of "eco," Urs Lüscher, and me. The two of us have a long-standing relationship of trust.
Tell me!
Almost 30 years ago, Urs Lüscher hired me as a project manager at his former company - Elektro Lüscher & Zanetti AG. I continued my training with him, passed the master craftsman's examination and was then the first business manager of his branch in Schöftland. Urs was always a role model for me, I always admired his entrepreneurial passion and his great commitment. Since I left his company in 2003, we have remained in regular contact.
Despite all the sympathy for Urs Lüscher, for this takeover the company as such also had to fit in with ELEKTRON.
Of course. Otherwise, our Board of Directors would not have agreed. We have defined a clear process internally for company acquisitions. All requirements are examined in detail and our requirements must ultimately be met. With eco energie A+, we have invested in a company that perfectly complements ELEKTRON's core business.
In what way?
"eco" specializes in renewable energies. We have identified this topic as a focus as part of our strategic development. We develop resource-saving solutions in various business areas and thus make an important contribution to driving forward the energy transition.
This means that ELEKTRON can now offer everything from manufacturing to commissioning?
You could say that. Our solutions are always a mix of our own know-how and technologies from leading manufacturers. The "green building" of the future cannot do without heat pumps, photovoltaic systems and e-charging stations. The demand for convincing concepts has increased extremely since the energy crisis. This is shown by the fact alone that the "eco" team has doubled in size within the last two years.
Are you still aiming for such strong growth?
We will certainly grow, but within a healthy framework and not at any price. The DNA and team spirit of "eco" should be preserved at all costs. That the employees are doing well is also a major concern for ELEKTRON. We want to be a place where people enjoy working. The interpersonal is one of the big success factors for us.
"Our future plans for the company are absolutely congruent," says Urs Lüscher.
Urs Lüscher, 12 years ago you founded eco energie A+ AG. The one-man company has since become a successful SME with 16 employees. Is it difficult for you to now hand over your work?
Urs Lüscher: No, not at all. After all, I initiated the process myself. Even in recent years, I have always communicated openly that my goal is to bring the company to the point where it no longer needs me by the end of 2023.
There were several interested parties for eco energie A+. But you decided very quickly in favor of ELEKTRON AG. Why?
Our future plans for the company are absolutely congruent.
That is to say?
The team and the current structures and processes will remain largely in place. We will also continue to pay close attention to our values. The "eco", for example, will remain as personal as ever. I have full confidence in Enrico Baumann.
What do you particularly appreciate about him?
His open, honest, natural and emphatic manner. He is down-to-earth with a drive for new things, never condescending, but helping to shape the future.
So was the sales process what you wanted it to be?
Absolutely. It was a fair negotiation based on partnership and involving the interests of all parties. For example, it was important to me that the previous deputy general manager be actively involved in the process as well as the future organization. This was the case.
What else was important to you?
Quality over quantity. And that the company headquarters remain in the Schöftland/Aarau region. This is where "eco" is rooted and known.
Are there any changes for customers or employees?
Nothing will change for our customers. And if there is, then it will certainly be positive. Our employees will be able to help shape the change in the organization. I am convinced that they will grow from the new tasks.
You yourself will also remain with eco energie A+ AG.
Yes, I will continue to manage the company as Managing Director until the end of 2023. After that, I would like to take a shorter step. However, there is a strong likelihood that I will continue to work for eco energie A+ AG in some form, but in a reduced workload.
Media material
We are at the disposal of media representatives for further information.
Anja Kutter, Media Officer ELEKTRON AG
+41 76 340 02 07
About ELEKTRON AG
The ELEKTRON AG develops in its four business units Drive Technology, Power Electronics, Public Lighting and Solar and payment systems technical solutions that are so efficient that they make their customer:inside more successful and at the same time protect the environment. The Swiss technology company, headquartered in Au (ZH), has continuously developed over the past 70 years, recognizing new requirements and needs and using them to create smart, customer-oriented solutions. The many years of experience in innovative engineering, the expertise of the employees combined with a strong service mentality and personal advice make ELEKTRON AG what it is today: the Swiss contact for sustainable solutions for the public sector, energy suppliers, real estate management and the industrial and infrastructure environment.
For the latest information on ELEKTRON, visit the News page and Linkedin.
About eco energie A+ AG
The eco energie A+ AG is a specialist in the field of renewable energies, especially in the areas of photovoltaic systems, heat pumps and charging stations for electric mobility. For 47 years, the company has been committed to efficient energy use in households, commerce and industry. Customers receive customized and cost-efficient solutions for new buildings or for the energy-related renovation of a property.
