Global engineering giant ABB has agreed to acquire Netcontrol, a Finnish provider of electrical grid automation solutions, as the Swiss engineering group moves to strengthen its position in digitalized power networks amid accelerating electrification worldwide.

 

The deal is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. Financial terms were not disclosed.

 

The acquisition comes as power grids face mounting strain from rising electricity demand, the rapid expansion of renewable energy, and more frequent extreme weather. Electricity is projected to account for 50 percent of global energy use by 2050, according to the International Energy Agency, putting pressure on utilities to modernize aging infrastructure.

 

“The electrical grid is becoming the bottleneck of the energy transition. The expansion of electricity and grid upgrades are key to energy resilience and ensure that the world has enough power available for growing populations and industries. 

 

"As we add renewable sources and new consumers, like electric vehicles and heat pumps, connecting everything reliably becomes more and more challenging. Utilities need digitalization and automation to keep the grid stable, resilient, and flexible,” said Adrian Guggisberg, Division President, ABB Distribution Solutions. 

 

“Acquiring Netcontrol is a strong fit supporting our grid automation portfolio expansion and a useful step forward to help our customers outrun.”

 

ABB said Netcontrol’s technology will be integrated into its Distribution Solutions portfolio following the close of the transaction and rolled out through ABB’s global sales network, enhancing its offering in smart and digitalized grids.

 

Sami Kurunsaari, CEO of Netcontrol, said, “Joining ABB marks an exciting next stage in our company’s journey. Our customers rely on us for secure, reliable electrical grid automation solutions and close technical collaboration. Becoming part of ABB will give us the global scale, portfolio, and reach to bring our technology and expertise to many more utilities and industrial customers, while continuing to invest in the products and services our existing customers know and trust.”