German team advises Körber on joint venture with Valmet to further develop digital solution FactoryPal

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has advised Körber AG on the formation of a joint venture with the Finnish technology group Valmet to further develop the digital shop floor solution FactoryPal. The strategic partnership between Körber and Valmet aims to combine FactoryPal's digital excellence with advanced machine expertise to accelerate digital optimisation across tissue factory production lines and beyond.

Following the successful establishment of FactoryPal in Körber's business area Digital, Valmet's commitment and investment will enable growth opportunities in markets and product development. FactoryPal will thus be able to play a leading role in the growing demand for digital solutions for production. Valmet will hold a majority stake in the joint venture. FactoryPal will continue to operate under its existing brand.

FactoryPal is a modular Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) product that helps shop floor teams achieve seamless operations and operational excellence. By generating and utilising high-quality data, combined with a state-of-the-art user experience and advanced artificial intelligence, FactoryPal acts as a reliable AI co-pilot in manufacturing.

Norton Rose Fulbright advised Körber AG comprehensively on the contract negotiations and the formation of the joint venture. The team was led by Hamburg partner Patrick Narr and Counsel Dr. Karsten Alex (both Corporate/M&A).

The team also consisted of partners Dr Tim Schaper (antitrust, Hamburg) and Dr Frank Weberndörfer (employment, Hamburg), Senior Associates Malte Meyer (corporate/M&A, Hamburg) and Dr Tobias Teichner (antitrust, Hamburg) as well as Associates Sebastian Martin Sievers (corporate/M&A, Hamburg) and Dr Max Mahlmann (employment, Hamburg).

The in-house team of Körber AG was led by Dr Fabian Eckard (Head of Legal) and consisted of Rabea Stritzke, Dr Hartmut Ruh, Julia König-Edler and Zlatan Ninic. Körber was advised on tax matters by a team from PwC Germany led by Director Ulrike Sommer. The Valmet in-house team was accompanied by Teemu Tammilehto (Senior Legal Counsel) and Petri Ristola (Vice President Strategy and Business Development).