Ultimaker and MakerBot are merging. Both companies manufacture 3D printers; the former operates in the Netherlands, the latter in the United States. Investor NPM Capital will hold just over half of the shares in the newly formed company. The rest is in the hands of Stratasys, MakerBot’s owner.
The market for desktop 3D printers continues to grow. To keep up with growth and innovative concepts, both manufacturers have decided to join forces. According to MakerBot and Ultimaker, 3D printing is increasingly used by companies as a means of production. By acting as one company, the companies will be able to expand their global operations and gain a greater foothold in regions such as the Americas, EMEA and Asia Pacific.
MakerBot and Ultimaker
MakerBot is a US-based 3D printer manufacturer. Its printers produce product prototypes, automotive parts and industrial equipment components. Additionally, the manufacturer offers materials for 3D printers and design software to help end users set up production environments. The company’s printers are widely used by hobbyists and researchers, as well as manufacturing companies looking to rapidly produce parts.
Ultimaker is in the same market segment as MakerBot and supplies 3D printers, associated materials and software solutions as well.
MakerBot and Ultimaker shares to Stratasys and NPM Capital
After the merger, the parent company of MakerBot will get a 45.6 percent stake in the new company. Private investment company NPM Capital, one of Ultimaker’s investors, gets a share of no less than 54.4 percent.
Both major shareholders are jointly investing 64.4 million dollars (60 million euros) in the newly formed company. The funds serve to expand the product portfolio and tap into new markets.
The merger should be completed by the end of this year. The current CEOs of MakerBot and Ultimaker, Nadav Goshen and Jürgen von Hollen, will lead the new company as co-CEOs.