Munich The Austrian sensor specialist AMS Osram is finally separating itself from a part of its auto-light business. The struggling Automotive Lighting Systems GmbH (AMLS) will be sold to the French automotive supplier Plastic Omnium for 65 million euros, both companies announced on Friday.
AMLS was the remainder of a joint venture between the lighting technology Group and Continental, which was to develop the car light of the future. The company manufactures LED-based light modules, i.e. electronic assemblies.
Osram and Continental had hoped for a mid-three-digit million sales with the digital light. After only two years, the joint venture was dissolved again in 2020 because the expectations of both partners were not met. Depreciation of the two owners was the result. After the acquisition of Osram, AMS had already indicated that the division was no longer part of its core business.
AMLS had a turnover of 148 million euros last year with 770 employees. “To our knowledge, the business was not profitable,” Credit Suisse analysts wrote. In contrast, AMS Osram retains conventional vehicle lighting, including LED components, in its portfolio. Man will continue to supply Plastic Omnium with LED products and optical components in the future, the statement said.
