Kobe Steel, Ltd. acquired Swedish company Quintus Technologies AB, the world leader in isostatic presses, from U.S. private equity firm Milestone Partners on April 5. The purchase price was US115 million. Quintus is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Kobe Steel.

Isostatic presses (IP) apply high pressure from all directions at high temperature or room temperature to press-sinter and form metal, ceramic and carbon materials. The presses are widely applicable in the manufacture of high-performance products, such as aircraft parts, power generation turbine blades and semiconductor materials.

Quintus Technologies specializes in the design, manufacture, installation, and support of high pressure systems for sheet metal forming and densification of advanced materials and critical industrial components. Headquartered in Vasteras, Sweden, and represented in 35 countries worldwide, the company is the world leader in high pressure technology and has delivered more than 1,800 systems to customers across the globe within industries such as aerospace, automotive, energy, and medical implants.

Quintus Technologies has achieved a strong presence in Europe, the United States and China, primarily in the aerospace sector, which is anticipated to grow.

By acquiring Quintus, Kobe Steel will be able to broaden its lineup of IP products and enter new growth markets. Furthermore, Kobe Steel expects to benefit from the interchange of product menus and from the synergy of manufacturing efficiency and cost reductions through the joint procurement of parts. Targeting the world market, Kobe Steel plans to significantly expand its IP business.