Technology · Services
Transferring Production Know-How and Equipment in Sales and Acquisitions
When production capability is sold or acquired, the deal is signed on paper. Its value is delivered on the production floor.
Selling a product line, licensing production to a partner or acquiring manufacturing capability all involve transferring know-how and equipment between organizations. These transfers combine the challenges of technology transfer with those of a commercial deal: defined deliverables, acceptance criteria, timelines and the interests of two parties.
Defining what is transferred
- Documentation, processes and specifications.
- Equipment, tooling, test systems and spare parts.
- Supplier relationships and qualified materials.
- Training, on-site support and a defined period of assistance.
- Intellectual property rights and their limits.
Acceptance criteria
Both sides should agree in advance how success will be measured: units built at the receiving site, yield and quality levels, and the performance of the transferred equipment. Clear criteria prevent disputes and protect the value of the deal for both parties.
Hardware, software and cyber
- Hardware: equipment relocation, requalification and supplier transfer.
- Software: production software, test programs and data that the receiving side must be able to maintain.
- Cyber: secure transfer of sensitive data, and export-control approvals where required.
How we work
We support sellers and buyers in scoping, planning and executing the transfer of production know-how and equipment, including on-site work at the receiving facility.
This service is part of our Technology division. See all Technology services, or talk to us about your situation.
This article reflects the author’s professional opinion only. It is general information, not professional advice or a recommendation to take any action, and any use of it is the reader’s sole responsibility.