ABB to acquire Specialtrasfo to support industrial electrification with specialized transformer offering

ABB has entered into an agreement to acquire Specialtrasfo S.p.A., a privately owned Italian manufacturer of specialized medium-voltage (MV) transformers, including converter and rectifier transformers, with installations in more than 70 countries worldwide. The acquisition will strengthen ABB’s ability to deliver fully integrated powertrain solutions, enabling faster and more agile responses to customer requirements in demanding industrial and energy applications. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals, after which Specialtrasfo will become part of ABB’s Motion High Power division. Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.

Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Agrate Brianza, near Milan, Specialtrasfo operates three manufacturing facilities in northern Italy and employs approximately 130 people. The company generated around €80 million in revenue in 2025, with ABB accounting for roughly half of that through their existing collaboration. Specialtrasfo’s portfolio includes specialized transformers designed for industries such as energy, marine, metals, mining, industrial processing, and offshore operations. By adding these capabilities to its portfolio, ABB further enhances its integrated powertrain offering and strengthens its position as a preferred partner for customers seeking high-performance, end-to-end power solutions.

“ABB and Specialtrasfo’s decades-long commercial relationship is a testament of the trust ABB has in the technical expertise, proven quality and reliability of the transformers they produce,” says Juha Koskela, President of ABB’s Motion High Power division. “This strategic acquisition expands our offering and strengthens our supply chain resilience in high‑demand transformers, reinforcing ABB’s ability to provide reliable, integrated solutions. By combining high‑power motors, drives and transformers in a single, high‑quality portfolio, we continue to help customers meet their specific industry requirements with confidence”.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global electricity demand is projected to double by 2050, driven by increasing industrial electrification as well as the rapid growth of data centers and artificial intelligence technologies. This rising demand is expected to significantly increase the need for transformers, which play a critical role in power conversion and distribution across industrial applications.

By acquiring Specialtrasfo, ABB is strengthening its ability to meet this growing market demand. The addition of specialized transformer manufacturing capabilities enhances ABB’s vertical integration strategy, providing greater control over a key component within its powertrain portfolio while improving supply chain resilience and supporting the delivery of integrated, high-performance solutions to customers worldwide.