GE and XD Electric form global transmission and distribution partnership

MANILA, Philippines - GE and XD Electric Group announced the formation of a new partnership to deliver a full line of electric transmission and distribution (T&D) and grid automation solutions to customers around the world. The partnership creates a new global competitor to provide customers with proven technology offerings to build and upgrade their electrical infrastructure to meet the high demand for reliable electricity.

The three major components of the partnership are the creation of a global partnership to combine GE’s grid automation and service capabilities with XD Electric’s comprehensive portfolio of primary power equipment; establishment of a joint venture (JV) with XD Electric to offer customers in China localized grid automation solutions; and GE’s purchase of a 15-percent equity stake in XD Electric and appointment of a representative to the XD Board of Directors.

In the T&D segment, GE is a leading provider of grid automation systems that enhance customers’ power reliability and operating efficiency. GE brings to the partnership deep customer relationships, global reach and domain expertise in both utility and energy-intensive industries such as oil and gas, metals and mining.

XD Electric, which is traded on the Shanghai stock exchange, is dedicated to the research, application, development and manufacture of high and ultra-high voltage T&D equipment. XD Electric is one of China’s largest primary equipment providers and has a broad range of products to transform and direct the flow of power for industrial, commercial and residential users.

Globally, T&D is a $100 billion industry with strong growth dynamics tied to the rise in electricity demand as middle-class populations grow around the world. China represents approximately a quarter of the T&D industry’s projected expansion and is a leader in the deployment of high and ultra-high voltage technology.

Zhang Yalin, XD chairman of the board said, “XD and GE have complementary product lines. Our partnership is a good match that aligns with industry trends to provide the customer with world-class end-to-end transmission and distribution solutions. Our geographical strengths will benefit XD’s globalization strategy and increase our export sales.”

“This is the beginning of an important relationship between two companies with complementary product lines and commitments to technology. It will enhance GE’s ability to provide end-to-end transmission and distribution solutions and expand our presence in the fastest-growing regions of the world,” said Bob Gilligan, president and CEO of GE’s Digital Energy business.

“This is a significant milestone in GE’s long-term strategy to become a highly competitive global player in transmission and distribution technologies,” said Dan Janki, president and CEO of GE Energy Management. “Last year, we bolstered our power conversion technologies with the acquisition of Converteam. Today our partnership with XD Electric is another building block that will strengthen GE’s power management capabilities to serve our customers and energy-intensive industries.”

The formation of the partnership remains subject to regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. GE and XD Electric expect that the partnership will be able to begin operations in 4Q 2012.