Chicago-based JBT Corp. acquired the shares of A&B Process Systems, a Stratford, Wis.-based provider of processing systems for the beverage and food industries, for $102 million. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2015.
A&B specializes in the design, manufacturing, automation and installation of liquid foods turnkey production systems. The addition of A&B's processing capabilities and technologies, along with JBT's recent acquisition of Stork Food & Dairy Systems, greatly strengthens its liquid foods portfolio and ability to provide complete solutions. A&B also brings a large field service operation that will strengthen JBT's installation and aftermarket business. At the same time, JBT will leverage its global sales network to expand the geographic reach of A&B's portfolio, which is currently limited to the United States and Canada.