Siemens invests in the security business and acquires Novotec Engineering

Siemens Building Technologies Group has acquired Novotec Engineering, thus reinforcing its position in the growth market for building security: Novotec is a leader in the development of software for emergency control systems for securing public premises, traffic systems and critical infrastructure facilities. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.

Novotec Engineering GmbH, based in St. Wolfgang near Munich, specializes in control technology and has cooperated with Siemens for some years in the development of emergency control systems for police and fire department emergency call control units, rescue services and other security control centers. The company generated sales revenues in the single-digit millions with 20 employees in 2005. Some 80% of this total was derived from activities outside Germany.

Software used for alarm and control of intervention forces had a total market volume of some 100 million euros in 2005 and an annual growth rate of more than five percent.

Novotec Engineering's core product is ELS/GEOFIS application software: this networks main control stations for police, fire department, emergency medical services, etc., as well as monitoring centers operated by private service providers. This ensures efficient control of intervention forces, especially in crisis situations where the time factor is critical. The software is scaleable and is suitable both for small installations and for highly complex C4I systems (Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence).

This is already the fourth acquisition by SBT in the security sector within the past twelve months. Together with its existing business in the German market, through the purchase of Novotec Siemens will now occupy a leading position in the field of emergency operations control centers.