International technology group ANDRITZ, based in Austria, signed an agreement with Schuler-Beteiligungen GmbH to acquire the entire 38.5% interest held by Schuler-Beteiligungen GmbH in publicly listed Schuler AG, headquartered in Germany. The planned acquisition of Schuler is an attractive means of broadening the existing business activities of the ANDRITZ METALS business area, which is one of the world's leading suppliers of complete lines for the production and further processing of cold-rolled strip made of stainless steel, carbon steel and nonferrous metals. Schuler is a global leader in metal-forming technology, supplying complete press lines and automation systems for metal-processing industries. The company operates branches and production sites all over the world and has a strong presence in the emerging markets of Asia and South America.