BURSCHEID, Germany — Johnson Controls (JCI) announced today it has completed its acquisition of Keiper and Recaro Automotive. The European Commission in Brussels, Belgium approved the acquisition on June 17. JCI initially announced in January its plans to acquire the businesses.

Keiper is a leader in recliner system technology and is known for its engineering and manufacturing expertise in metals and mechanisms for automobile seats. The company also produces complete seats for commercial trucks. Recaro Automotive offers complete seats for automakers and as aftermarket equipment. As part of the transaction, Johnson Controls also acquires the licensing rights for the exclusive global use of the Recaro trademark for the automotive industry. The acquisition includes 4,750 employees at 13 locations across seven countries.

"The acquisition of Keiper and Recaro Automotive provides Johnson Controls a comprehensive product range in seating components," said Beda Bolzenius, vice president, Johnson Controls and president, Automotive Experience. "This further complements the acquisition of C. Rob. Hammerstein earlier this year and our existing metals business."

Through the integration of Keiper, Recaro Automotive and C. Rob Hammerstein, Johnson Controls is able to offer automakers a complete product range of metal components and mechanisms across all vehicle segments. This positions Johnson Controls as a global leader in seating components, the company points out.

Recaro Aircraft Seating, Recaro Child Safety and Recaro Home are not part of the acquisition and will remain part of Putsch Holding in Kaiserslautern, Germany. Also excluded are Keiper’s operations, business and entity in Brazil. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.