ABB acquires power electronics firm Brightloop

Swiss tech firm ABB has finalised its plans to acquire BrightLoop in order to accelerate its electrification strategy in industrial mobility and marine propulsion. The acquisition is set to enhance ABB's capabilities in power converter systems for construction and mining equipment, electric ferries, and offshore vessels.

The agreement will see ABB acquire an initial controlling stake of 93 per cent in BrightLoop, with the company expecting to pick up the remaining 7 per cent in 2028. While ABB has not disclosed the financial details, BrightLoop’s management team is expected to remain onboard. The transaction should close in Q3 2025.

Founded in Paris in 2010, BrightLoop currently employs approximately 90 people and has undergone sustained growth in recent years thanks to accelerating electrification in its core industries. In 2024, it generated revenues of around €16m. Originally developed for motorsports, BrightLoop’s technology can be found in all racing cars in the Formula E electric car racing series – a sector ABB itself is involved with on the charging side. It has developed a portfolio of high- and low-voltage DC/DC power converters designed for highly efficient, compact and scalable handling of bidirectional current flows.

These solutions are now also being used in other sectors, such as off-highway transportation, marine, aerospace, hydrogen mobility, and military. BrightLoop’s power converters are reportedly designed for use in harsh environments where space, weight, and reliability are critical – making them well-suited for the electrification of industrial vehicles and ships. In these applications, electrification increases energy efficiency while significantly reducing fuel consumption, maintenance requirements, and emissions.

ABB states that its acquisition of BrightLoop will enable it to expand its delivery of “compact, rugged, and intelligent” power conversion systems for its offerings. It also noted that, moving forward, both companies will remain committed to serving all of its current sectors while expanding market presence. Additionally, ABB plans to maintain BrightLoop’s development and production sites in France while investing in global expansion of the business.

Edgar Keller, head of ABB’s Traction division, said: “This acquisition is a strategic leap forward in our mission to help transport industries operate leaner and cleaner. BrightLoop’s software-defined power platform and expertise in high-performance applications will allow us to deliver even more value to our customers as they transition to cleaner, smarter energy systems.”

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