HOERBIGER completed its acquisition of Physik Instrumente (PI) on March 31, 2026, following regulatory approvals, and placed the company within a newly formed Positioning Division while keeping PI as an independent entity.
Dr. Michael Albiez was appointed CEO of PI, succeeding Markus Spanner, who has left the company. Dr. Albiez will lead PI and the new Positioning Division and join HOERBIGER’s executive board.
PI’s global operations will be integrated into HOERBIGER’s Positioning Division, which groups motion and positioning technologies within the portfolio. The company will continue to operate independently and retain its name, brand, and global market presence.
“With the successful completion of the acquisition, we are pleased to officially welcome our new colleagues from PI to the HOERBIGER Group,” said Dr. Thorsten Kahlert, CEO and chairman of the executive board of HOERBIGER. “PI is an ideal addition to our portfolio. Together, we will create a strong foundation for long-term, sustainable growth and technological excellence.”
The HOERBIGER board of directors appointed Dr. Michael Albiez as the new CEO of PI. Dr. Albiez brings experience in precision technologies and industrial systems. He previously held senior roles at ZEISS, most recently serving as CEO of ZEISS Research Microscopy Solutions. As CEO of PI, he will lead the newly established Positioning Division and join the HOERBIGER executive board.
“The new Positioning Division is set to become an additional strong pillar of HOERBIGER,” said Dr. Martin Komischke, president of the board of directors of HOERBIGER Holding AG. “This makes it all the more important that we were able to win Dr. Michael Albiez – a proven industry expert with many years of technical and leadership experience – for this role.”
Dr. Michael Albiez said: “PI enjoys an excellent global reputation for its technology. I look forward to getting to know the team, becoming part of this organization, and continuing to successfully develop PI within the HOERBIGER Group.”
Dr. Mathias Eickholt was also appointed CFO of PI. He will report to Dr. Albiez and serve on the management team. Dr. Eickholt joined HOERBIGER in 2025 and has experience in financial leadership, transformation, and business development.
Source: Physik Instrumente (PI)
About Physik Instrumente (PI)
Physik Instrumente (PI) is a German company specializing in high-precision motion control and positioning systems. Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Karlsruhe, Germany, PI has over 50 years of experience developing piezoelectric and electromechanical solutions used in fields such as photonics, semiconductor manufacturing, life sciences, aerospace, and industrial automation. The company’s product portfolio includes piezo stages, linear actuators, air bearings, and multi-axis systems, as well as advanced control electronics and software. These systems are used in applications that demand nanometer-level precision, such as microscopy, laser processing, and metrology. PI operates 9 production sites in Europe, North America, and Asia, as well as 16 sales and service locations worldwide. PI employs more than 1,900 people worldwide. PI is considered a market leader in precision motion systems, serving OEMs, research institutions, and industrial clients.
About HOERBIGER
HOERBIGER is an industrial technology company that develops components and systems for mechanical and energy applications. The company produces valves, sealing systems, controls, rotary components, and safety devices used in industrial equipment. Its products support compression systems, engines, drivetrains, and explosion protection solutions. HOERBIGER serves customers across the oil and gas, energy, automotive, process industry, and industrial manufacturing sectors. The company also provides installation, maintenance, and technical support services for its products. HOERBIGER was founded in 1925. Its headquarters are in Zug, Switzerland. The company operates production, engineering, and service sites across Europe, North America, and Asia. HOERBIGER is organized into business units focused on compression technology, automotive systems, rotary components, engine systems, and safety solutions. Its technologies are used by OEMs and industrial operators worldwide. The company employs about 6,500 people worldwide.