For an undisclosed sum, ZF Friedrichshafen (Friedrichshafen / Germany; www.zf.com) has sold its Global Body Control Systems business unit, together with its Radio Frequency Electronics division, to cable manufacturer Luxshare (Hong Kong / China; www.luxshare-ict.com). On 31 August, the two companies signed an agreement to that effect. Provided the relevant regulatory authorities give their approval, the transaction should be concluded by the end of this year.

“Even though the Global Body Control Systems business unit is operating successfully and on a financially healthy basis, it is a logical decision that will enable this business to better develop outside of the ZF Group,” said Franz Kleiner, a member of ZF's board of management.

The Chinese buyer wants to operate the Global Body Control Systems business as an independent unit that will continue to have its headquarters in Radolfzell / Germany. The current management of the business unit will also continue to be responsible for it. "The Global Body Control Systems business will become a major growth driver within the Luxshare corporate portfolio,” explained Laichun Wang, CEO of Luxshare. Luxshare, she said, is committed to investing in R&D as it is planning to enhance market competitiveness and penetration and to support the Body Control Systems business to establish the Advanced Human Interface Solutions (AHIS) product line.

In the Body Control Systems (including Radio Frequency Electronics) division, ZF employs around 6,000 people at 16 locations in 11 countries, and has 11 sales and engineering offices in five different countries. It manufactures plastic switches and buttons, steering column control modules, electronic control panels, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) controls as well as electrical and mechanical steering column locks for the automotive industry. Its portfolio also includes rain sensors, light switches, remote keyless and passive entry access systems and tyre pressure monitoring systems.