Following six months of negotiations and due dilligence, Huangzohou iEcho completed the acquisition of ARISTO, a long-established precision machinery company in Hamburg, Germany. This is an important milestone in iEcho's global strategy, consolidating its position in the global cutting market, providing better access to European markets and Aristo's IP.
Aristo was founded in 1862 as a manufacturer of precision measuring and surveying instruments and today is known for its precision cutting technology and German manufacturing. This acquisition enables iEcho to absorb Aristo’s experience in high-precision machine manufacturing and combine it with its own innovation capabilities to improve the product’s technology level.
The strategic significance of acquiring Aristo
iEcho actively promotes its globalization strategy and has successfully acquired 100% equity of Aristo from CEO Lars Bochmann's vehicle Bochmann Holdings.
The acquisition is a crucial step in the global strategy of iEcho, which has promoted technological upgrading, market expansion and brand influence, with over 5,000 installations worldwide under the iEcho and other OEM brand names, such as Cutworx in the USA.
The acquiring company says that combination of Aristo’s high-precision cutting technology and iEcho’s intelligent manufacturing will promote technological innovation and upgrading of iEcho’s products globally.
As a Hamburg, Germany based company, Aristo will enable iEcho to enter the European market more efficiently and enhance its global market position and international brand status.
By combining Aristo’s craftsmanship with iEcho’s innovation, iEcho plans to further expand its overseas business and enhance its competitiveness in the global market through technology, products and services.
Frank Yun, the Managing Director of iEcho states that Aristo is a symbol of German industrial spirit and craftsmanship, and this acquisition is not only an investment in its technology, but also part of the completion of iEcho’s globalization strategy, laying the foundation for global competitiveness and continuous growth. iEcho's shares surged 14% on the news of the successful acquisition (Shanghai exchange).
Lars Bochmann, the Managing Director of Aristo says: “As a part of iEcho, we are excited. This merger will bring new opportunities, and we look forward to working with the iEcho team to promote innovative technologies. We believe that through working together and resource integration, we can provide better products and services to global users. We look forward to creating more success and opportunities under the new cooperation.”
Brief history of Aristo
1862: Aristo was founded in 1862 as Dennert & Pape Aristo -Werke KG in Altona,Hamburg. Manufacturing high precision measurement tools such as Theodolites, Planimeters and Rechenschieber (slide rules.)
1959: Evolving from Planimeter to CAD and equipped with a highly modern contour control system at the time, supplied to various customers.
1979: Aristo starts to develop its own electronic and controller units.
2022: High precision cutter from Aristo has new controller unit for fast and precise cutting results.
2024: (September) iEcho acquired 100% equity of Aristo for a reported sum of around € 3.7 million, making it a wholly-owned subsidiary.
In Australia, iEcho cutting, milling and punching systems are distributed by Sign Essentials, recently acquired by Ball & Doggett. iEcho cutters are also sold through Kissel + Wolf, Seaga and Paper Handling Equipment.
Aristo is imported by Celmac: www.celmac.com.au
In Western Australia, Artref sells and supports both iEcho and ARISTO equipment: www.artref.com.au/