In part 3 of our review on industrial tech in 2025, Sebastián and I switch roles and Sebastián is “grilling” me with his questions.

After we have looked at fundamental technology trends that shaped the industrial tech landscape in 2025 (and will do so going forward), we discuss the major M&A themes and trends that drove industrial tech transactions in 2025, specifically:

- The increasing importance of partnerships and ecosystems in industrial tech

- Major carve-out activities and underlying drivers

- Why Private Equity is becoming an increasingly important player in the arena

- How M&A is transforming industrial automation and robotics

- Which trends have driven industrial software and industrial AI M&A

- … and why AI will have a major impact on industrial software in 2026

We had a lot of fun recording our discussions and hope you enjoy the last part of our 2025 industrial tech review as well

What was your most remarkable industrial tech M&A transaction of 2025?

For comments and wishes regarding topics or sector deep dives to cover in our next quarterly episode write a comment or reach out to us!

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Time Stamps:

(00:00) Intro – Industrial Tech M&A in 2025

(02:45) Trend 1: Increasing importance of partnerships

(07:15) Trend 2: Carve-outs and focused business models

(09:20) Trend 3: Private Equity – The rising player in the arena

(15:00) Trend 4: Industrial Automation & Robotics

(23:18) Trend 5: Industrial Software – AI and the return of the big deals

(39:35) How AI will impact industrial software M&A in 2026

(43:42) What other trends can we expect for 2026?

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For more industry and M&A insights and how we support industrial tech players in M&A and strategy related challenges, also take a look at our other channels:

Tim Löbig on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tim-löbig-68195b2

LOEBIG-ADVISORS on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/loebig-advisors

Website LOEBIG-ADVISORS: https://www.loebig-advisors.com/

YouTube Channel LOEBIG-ADVISORS: youtube.com/@LOEBIG-ADVISORS

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You want to explore sell-side or buy-side M&A opportunities in industrial tech? Feel free to contact us!

In part 2 of our 2025 review, Sebastián and myself finally look at the trend that dominated the headlines and discussions around industrial tech in 2025 – Industrial AI.

We take a closer look at:

-       Remarkable trends and impressions from 2025 fairs, conferences, etc.

-       The development of AI in industrial software and automation

-       Recent AI initiatives of large automation vendors and hyperscaler

-       Agentic AI – and the distinction between vision and reality

-       Whether AI is really eating (industrial) software

-       The shift towards outcome-based revenue models

-       The vendor landscape, different strategies and the need to partner and to think in ecosystems

And for sure we reflect in our discussion the recent AI hype (or hysteria?) and valuation impact on Enterprise SaaS that accelerated in the first quarter of 2026: Why industrial AI is different from enterprise AI! And what all that means for mid-size industrial software players!

Enjoy listening – and feel free to share your thoughts on this episode!

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Time Stamps:

(00:00) Intro

(02:57) Industrial AI – 2025 impressions and key take aways

(12:21) Industrial AI – bringing structure into the discussion

(22:44) Industrial Agentic AI – Vision vs. Reality or supply vs. demand

(30:35) AI eating SaaS – beyond the noise

(35:05) Outcome-based business models – where do we stand?

(40:21) The way forward – is there a winning strategy?

(45:16) And what does that all mean for SMB software vendors?

(49:46) Summary & Outlook

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For more industry and M&A insights and how we support industrial tech players in M&A and strategy related challenges, also take a look at our other channels: 

Tim Löbig on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tim-löbig-68195b2

LOEBIG-ADVISORS on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/loebig-advisors

Website LOEBIG-ADVISORS: https://www.loebig-advisors.com/

YouTube Channel LOEBIG-ADVISORS: youtube.com/@LOEBIG-ADVISORS

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You would like to discuss the impact of AI on your industrial software business and what it means for sell- or buy-side activities? Feel free to contact us!

After a one-year break, the Transforming Industries Podcast is back with a three-part Industrial Tech Quarterly Episode, discussing major technology and M&A trends of 2025 –joined by my co-host in in this format, Sebastián Trolli, from Frost & Sullivan.

In part 1 of our review, we look at three foundational trends – our “Hidden Champions” of 2025 – that, beyond the spotlight on Industrial AI are more quietly reshapingthe industrial automation tech stack.  

We discuss:

-       Industrial Data Management – how a robust data foundation becomes the strategic control layer for both industrial operations and AI at scale and is eroding thetraditional automation pyramid

-      Software Defined Automation – how decoupling hardware and software will disrupt classic automation business models and opens the door for new ecosystem players

-     Edge Intelligence – how pushing intelligence closer to machines improves latency, reliability and economics, and unlocks new applications and AI-driven use casesat the edge

We outline what this means for traditional automation vendors and what future capabilities and strategies are required to remain relevant.

Enjoy listening – and feel free to share your thoughts on this first episode after the break!

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Time Stamps:

(00:00) Intro

(03:20) Industrial Tech Quarterly and the 2025 Hidden Champions

(07:00) Industrial Data Management – overview & trends

(11:45) Industrial Data Management – transformational implications

(20:30) Software Defined Automation – overview & technical implications

(28:03) SDA – structural growth drivers & business model implications

(37:08) Edge Intelligence – key trends

(44:09) Edge Intelligence – implications & growth drivers

(48:00): Summary – 3 trends, huge impact

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For more industry and M&A insights and how we support industrial tech players in M&A and strategy related challenges, also take a look at our other channels:  

Tim Löbig on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tim-löbig-68195b2

LOEBIG-ADVISORS on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/loebig-advisors

Website LOEBIG-ADVISORS: https://www.loebig-advisors.com/

YouTube Channel LOEBIG-ADVISORS: youtube.com/@LOEBIG-ADVISORS

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You would like to discuss the transformation challenges for your business? Feel free to contact us!

New year, new format!

In addition to the known interview format, together with my co-host Sebastián Trolli, we will start the “Industrial Tech Quarterly”.

In the first episode of Transforming Industries, Sebastián and I talked about the trillion-dollar opportunity of industrial tech. Going forward, we will address this highly fragmented, competitive and innovative market and technology landscape on a quarterly basis.

We provide regular updates on and discuss major industrial tech topics and trends:

- Interesting events, exhibitions, fairs and conferences and upcoming must visits

- Top company news affecting the industry

- Latest market and technology trends in industrial tech

- Selected segment and technology deep dives

- Latest M&A trends and major transactions

We hope you will enjoy this new quarterly series and look forward to receiving your feedback and input for future episodes!

Enjoy listening and be part of the discussion

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Time Stamps:

(00:00) Intro

(03:03) Our definition of industrial tech

(11:45) Industrial tech conferences, fairs, events 2024

(19:35) Industrial tech conferences 2025 – must visits

(27:16) Company news – Siemens, Microsoft, Kuka and others

(47:50) Industrial Tech market trends 2024/2025

(1:40:20) Deep Dive – Augmented connected worker

(1:25:48) Industrial Tech M&A trends 2024/2025

(1:56:58): Closing and outlook

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More Information on LOEBIG-ADVISORS and our topics: Tim Löbig on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tim-löbig-68195b2 LOEBIG-ADVISORS on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/loebig-advisors Website LOEBIG-ADVISORS: https://www.loebig-advisors.com/ YouTube Channel LOEBIG-ADVISORS: youtube.com/@LOEBIG-ADVISORS

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You would like to dive deeper into the topic and address your opportunities? Feel free to contact us!

Fehlendes Know-how, Fachkräftemangel, Entwicklungsrückstand – für viele Industrie- und Maschinenbauunternehmen ist die Umsetzung digitaler Geschäftsmodelle und deren Skalierung nur über externe Lösungen möglich.

Da stellt sich die Frage: Kooperation oder Zukauf? Oder doch

Peter ist seit mehr als 30 Jahren als Anwalt im Technologiesektor und M&A Geschäft tätig und darüber hinaus sehr geschätzter Kooperationspartner von Loebig-Advisors im Rahmen unserer M&A Mandate.

Insofern könnte ich mir keinen besseren Gesprächspartner für

-       Peters Erfahrungen im Technologiesektor und M&A Geschäft

-       Seine persönlichen Erfahrungen mit

-       Inwiefern sich diese Erfahrungen auf den

-       Vor- und Nachteile von Kooperationen, M&A

-       Spezifische Herausforderungen bei

-       Die Rolle von Private Equity bei Transformationsprozessen

-       Und natürlich ein Blick auf das aktuelle M&A

Viel Spaß beim reinhören!

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Time Stamps:

(00:00) Intro

(01:31) Vorstellung Peter Ladwig

(04:20) Digitalakquisitionen im Automobilsektor

(10:40) Was im Maschinenbau anders läuft

(22:20) M&A vs. Kooperation – Umsetzung digitaler

(33:00) Joint Venture als Mittelweg?

(40:20) Herausforderungen bei Software-Akquisitionen

(50:20) Die Rolle von Private Equity

(55:00) SaaS Modelle aus rechtlicher Sicht

(59:28) Aktuelles M&A Umfeld und Ausblick

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More Information on LOEBIG-ADVISORS and our topics:

Tim Löbig on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tim-löbig-68195b2

LOEBIG-ADVISORS on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/loebig-advisors

Website LOEBIG-ADVISORS: https://www.loebig-advisors.com/

YouTube Channel LOEBIG-ADVISORS: youtube.com/@LOEBIG-ADVISORS

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You would like to dive deeper into the topic and address your opportunities? Feel free to contact us!

Welchen Impact auf Financial Performance und Wertentwicklung haben Digitalisierungsinitiativen eigentlich?

Deutsche Maschinenbauunternehmen stehen vor einer Vielzahl Herausforderungen und befinden sich inmitten einer massiven Transformation. Die Notwendigkeit zur Digitalisierung und dem Aufbau neuer Geschäftsmodelle erfordert insbesondere für mittelständische Unternehmen signifikante Investments. Da kann man schon mal die Frage stellen: „Rechnet sich das auch?“

Die Antwort auf diese und viele weitere Fragen habe ich in der aktuellen Episode des Transforming Industries Podcasts von Jan Rodig bekommen. 

Jan ist Partner für Strategy & Digital bei Struktur Management Partner (SMP). Er beschäftigt sich seit mehr als 15 Jahren mit den Themen Digitalisierung, digitale Transformation und digitale Wertsteigerung - sowohl als Gründer und Unternehmer als auch als Berater. 

Ausgangspunkt unseres Gesprächs war eine Studie von SMP zum Thema Digital Value Creation im PE und Family Office Umfeld, mit interessanten Ergebnissen, welche sich auch auf den Maschinenbau übertragen lassen.

Darüber hinaus haben wir folgende Themen in einem spannenden Austausch diskutiert:

Mir hat die Aufnahme mit Jan extrem viel Spaß gemacht. Hört in die Episode rein, es lohnt sich!

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Time Stamps:

(00:00) Intro

(01:12) Vorstellung Jan

(03:41) Vorstellung Struktur Management Partner (SMP)

(06:40) Digital Value Creation Studie – Impact & Werthebel

(15:00) Herausforderungen im Maschinenbau

(19:40) Digitalisierungshebel für den Maschinenbau

(25:55) Herausforderungen, Vorgehensweise und Erfolgsfaktoren

(42:04) Digital Value Creation im M&A Kontext

(49:06) Ausblick 

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More Information on LOEBIG-ADVISORS and our topics:

Tim Löbig on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tim-löbig-68195b2

LOEBIG-ADVISORS on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/loebig-advisors

Website LOEBIG-ADVISORS: https://www.loebig-advisors.com/

YouTube Channel LOEBIG-ADVISORS: youtube.com/@LOEBIG-ADVISORS

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You would like to dive deeper into the topic and address your opportunities? Feel free to contact us!

Is the hype over? Are we entering a phase of realism? And do we finally see the consolidation wave everybody is talking about since years?

In this episode it is all about Additive manufacturing and a lot of questions to discuss. And I am doing this with Hans-Alfred Breuninger, a real insider and for many years a trusted advisor to the 3D printing industry.

Among others we dive into the following topics:

-       What is the current state of the industry?

-       How do Chinese players impact to competitive landscape?

-       Beyond prototyping – what’s the way forward for the industry?

-       After the craze in 2023, will we see a consolidation wave?

-       What are key M&A and investment trends in 3D printing?

Tune in and join our interesting discussion on the state of additive manufacturing!

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Time Stamps:

(00:00) Intro

(01:25) Introduction Hans-Alfred

(04:03) Current state of the industry

(12:50) Impact of emerging Chinese competition

(15:30) The competitive landscape

(24:00) Consolidation, consolidation, consolidation…

(25:50) M&A and investment trends

(33:43) The way forward – some hypothesis!

(42:42) Outro

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More Information on LOEBIG-ADVISORS and our topics:

Tim Löbig on

LOEBIG-ADVISORS

Website

YouTube Channel

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You would like to dive deeper into the topic and address your opportunities? Feel free to contact us!

Das Straucheln der deutschen Automobilindustrie bei der

Auch im Maschinenbau gibt es Anzeichen, dass die Jahrzehntelange Technologie- und Marktführerschaft für die Zukunft kein Selbstläufer ist. Denn auch der Maschinenbau steht vor einer tiefgreifenden Transformation seines Geschäftsmodells von der Maschine hin zu (digitalen) Lösungen.

Grund genug, sich das Thema einmal genauer anzusehen.

Unter anderem beleuchten wir folgende Fragen:

-       Was lässt sich aus dem Straucheln der deutschen

-       Gibt es dazu tatsächlich parallelen zum

-       Welche neuen Wachstumspotentiale ergeben sich

-       Wie verändert sich der Wettbewerb im Zuge der

-       Welche Herausforderungen ergeben sich im Zuge

Gleichzeitig führend wir mit dem ersten „Deep Dive“ ein

Viel Spaß beim Reinhören und gebt mir gerne Feedback wie

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Time Stamps:

(0:00) Intro

(03:40) Die Automobilindustrie – ein Warnsignal ?!

(08:13) Ist der Maschinenbau der „nächste Automobilsektor“?

(15:58) Industrial Tech – Die Trillion Dollar Opportunity für den Maschinenbau?

(24:11) Neue (digitale) Geschäftsmodelle, neue Wettbewerber

(29:48) Vom Produkt zur Kundenlösung – Die Transformation des Maschinenbaus

(36:38) Die Capability-Hürde

(41:33) Quo vadis – Maschinenbau?

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Mehr Informationen zu LOEBIG-ADVISORS und unseren Inhalten:

Tim Löbig auf LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/tim-löbig-68195b2

LOEBIG-ADVISORS auf LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/loebig-advisors

Webseite LOEBIG-ADVISORS: https://www.loebig-advisors.com/

YouTube Kanal LOEBIG-ADVISORS: youtube.com/@LOEBIG-ADVISORS

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Sie denken über Zukäufe für den Aufbau digitaler Geschäftsmodelle nach, oder möchten mehr über das Thema erfahren? Kontaktieren Sie uns gerne!

In this episode of Transforming Industries, I sit down with Michael Pleuger, CEO and Co-founder of akirolabs, a leading procure-tech startup from Berlin. We explore Michael's inspiring journey from a successful career in consulting to launching akirolabs and transforming the procurement landscape.

Tune in for a lively and insightful conversation as we cover:

…and many more.

Join us for an engaging and fun discussion!

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Time Stamps: 

(00:00) Intro

(02:10) Introduction Michael

(09:10) Introduction of akirolabs

(12:30) Deep dive - The founding story

(31:10) Building the ecosystem

(39:10) Transforming the procurement landscape

(47:40) The role of AI in procurement

(54:15) The procurement vendor landscape

(56:30) akirolabs outlook

Sustainability, hardware-software-integration, product complexity, technology trends such as digital twins and other drivers increase the attention on PLM software.  A comparably mature software segment is experiencing increasing dynamic, also driven by M&A activities.

Founding a new company in this environment and entering the PLM software segment? And how to be successful in a market with large and long term established players?

This is what I discussed with Oleg Shilovitsky, the CEO and co-founder of OpenBOM. 

We also addressed the following topics

Tune in and enjoy a highly interesting discussion!

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Time Stamps: 

(00:00) Intro

(02:05) Introduction Oleg

(06:10) The founding story of OpenBOM

(26:00) Lessons learned for other founders

(29:40) PLM – accelerated focus or still a niche?

(31:50) PLM software market and technology trends

(44:20) PLM competitive landscape and M&A

(53:30) Outlook on OpenBOM

(55:20) Outro