UK-based conglomerate FKI has moved into the wind energy business by purchasing the German wind turbine manufacturer De Wind for r34.5 million. This is made up of r18.5 million in cash plus a debt assumption of around r16 million.
The FKI Group manufactures industrial plant and components, specialising in energy technology products. Around 60 per cent of its business is in the USA and the rest is mostly in Europe. The company has purchased 100 per cent of DeWind, including the stakes of major shareholders MVV Energie and the Berlin venture capital company BMP.
Based in Lubeck, DeWind has to date sold 400 wind turbines totalling 270 MW of capacity. Its current range consists of three units, starting at 600 kW. A prototype 2 MW unit was installed this year and the company is planning 3.5 MW and 5 MW machines.
