“ABB’s Strategic Move: IPO or Acquisition Strategy?”
Hampus Engellau, a seasoned analyst, predicts that ABB’s upcoming listing will take place in Switzerland, but he also sees a potential for an acquisition instead.
“It’s common to have parallel tracks in these situations, and one of them could be that ABB is looking to sell off its Robotics division. It’s not out of the question that they are in negotiations and this listing is a way to pressure potential buyers,” Engellau speculates.
The fact that ABB plans to separately list the division in the second quarter of 2026 could support this theory.
“If there is disagreement, it likely revolves around the price. In that case, they might say, okay, let’s spin it off and let the market determine the price instead. And 2026 will be a different market than today,” he adds, referring to the current weak stock market environment.
Will ABB’s restructuring efforts end with this move, or could there be more similar strategies in the future?
“I thought it was over after both Power Grids and the turbo division. But if more divestments are to be made, they will probably involve very small business units, rather than entire business areas. ABB currently consists of 18 business units,” notes Engellau.
As speculation swirls around ABB’s next move, investors and industry experts are eagerly anticipating how this strategic shift will play out. The potential for a significant acquisition or a groundbreaking IPO adds an element of intrigue to the company’s future trajectory.
With Engellau’s insights shedding light on the possible motivations behind ABB’s actions, the market is abuzz with excitement and anticipation. Could ABB be paving the way for a major industry shakeup, or are they simply positioning themselves for future growth and success? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – ABB’s strategic maneuvers are capturing the attention of investors and analysts alike.