Tamco Switchgear is the demerged switchgear unit of Tamco Holdings.

In addition, L&T will also acquire three of Tamco''s other switchgear manufacturing subsidiaries - Tamco Shanghai Switchgear Co Ltd in China, Tamco Electrical Industries Australia Pty Ltd in Australia and PT Tamco Indonesia in Indonesia.

"This is a significant move forward in L&T''s plans of reinforcing its position as a major player in switchgear business," said, R N Mukhija, president, operations and member of the board, shortly after he had signed the acquisition agreement between L&T and Tamco Holdings in Kuala Lumpur this morning.

"Tamco has a strong presence in the medium voltage (MV) category. With this acquisition, L&T will be able to offer a comprehensive range of MV switchgear in India and international market. This deal meets our requirements on both fronts of technology acquisition and market access. L&T''s process improvement initiatives will help achieve cost efficiency and contribute to synergy benefits."

Tamco is a major player in MV switchgear in Malaysia. Its Middle East and Malaysian markets together contribute to over 50 per cent of its revenue.

With this acquisition, L&T Switchgear will have access to the fast growing MV switchgear markets like the Middle East and the EPC contractors that have approved use of Tamco''s products. This synergistic acquisition will enhance L&T''s capability in both LV with MV categories, and will allow it to offer turnkey solutions to customers.

The domestic MV Switchgear market is currently growing at 15 per cent per annum. This growth rate is expected to increase further in the next five years on account of initiatives like the Electricity Bill of 2003, and power sector reforms.

L&T says the national focus on the fast tracked incremental power generation programme will provide a strong impetus to spur the demand for MV switchgear leading to an increase in the growth rate of these products.

Besides natural growth in Malaysia, in other international markets Middle East and China offer attractive business opportunities due to their high growth rates. Indonesia, too, could be the next emerging market due to growth in the Oil & Gas sector. The Chinese market is expected to grow at 15 per cent, while the Middle East markets are growing at about 18 per cent.

L&T is among the leading global manufacturers of low voltage switchgear, with the scale, sophistication and product range that meet international standards. It has a track record that includes the supply of intelligent switchboards, systems and service to major industrial projects. In addition to its leadership position in the Indian market, the Company has a growing presence in overseas markets. It has four manufacturing facilities for switchgear operations in India and one each in China and Saudi Arabia.