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Norwegian-owned Kongsberg Automotive is buying the GMS Global Motion Systems business from diversified US group Teleflex in a move that will quadruple its automotive business.

GMS makes control systems for vehicles, including gear shift controls, seating systems, fluid systems and other industrial vehicle controls.

It had a turnover of $855 million in 2006, and employs 8,000 people in 34 factories worldwide. Customers include OEMs such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Toyota, General Motors and Caterpillar.

The deal boosts Kongsberg's automotive activities almost four fold. The Norwegian firm is paying $560 million for the business, and will now organise itself into four divisions:
• Driveline Systems, focused on automotive OEMs
• Interior Systems, which will aim to sell to Tier One suppliers
• Power Product Systems, for non-automotive industrial OEMs
• Actuation Systems, focused on commercial OEMs

Kongsberg Automotive CEO Olav Volldal said: "With the addition of Global Motion Systems, Kongsberg Automotive has established a solid platform for future growth and expansion in several market segments. I am confident that by allying these companies we now set new standards for innovation and productivity."