Mahle continues consolidation in UF membrane market

German filtration specialist Mahle has continued the build-out of its water portfolio with the acquisition of InnoWa Membrane GmbH. InnoWa, which manufactures hollow-fibre ultrafiltration membranes, will be integrated into Mahle’s industrial filtration division.

The deal follows Mahle’s acquisition of Amafilter in 2008, and is further evidence of consolidation in the fragmented low-pressure membrane industry, where German companies have ranked among the biggest acquirers. Mann+Hummel, which was carved out of Mahle back in 1941, is now looking to build its water business via an aggressive acquisition strategy, and in the past 18 months alone, it has mopped up Ultra-Flo and Fluid Brasil, while BASF bought inge.

With Mahle, Mann+Hummel and Amplio all looking for the next filtration acquisition, it remains to be seen who will pick up the assets of troubled Israeli low-pressure membrane manufacturer Bio Pure Technology. The deadline for bids has been extended to Monday 6th February (see http://www.levytyller.com/?p=323).