French cable manufacturer Nexans has entered exclusive negotiations with Indian group Motherson for the sale of its German subsidiary Autoelectric, which specialises in automotive wiring harnesses. The €207mn ($227mn) transaction represents the final step in Nexans’ strategic shift towards electrification.
Based in Germany, Autoelectric designs and manufactures wiring harnesses and systems for the automotive industry. The company employs around 14,000 people and generated €749mn ($822mn) in revenue in 2024. This business was the last segment in Nexans’ portfolio not directly tied to electrification, a sector where the group is now focusing its investments and growth.
A strategic repositioning initiated years ago
In recent years, Nexans has executed a series of divestments to focus on electricity transmission and distribution. In March, the group announced the sale of its industrial cables division Lynxeo to private equity firm Latour Capital for €525mn ($576mn). With this new deal, Nexans confirms its intention to become a pure electrification player.
Nexans Chief Executive Officer Julien Hueber stated that the sale marked “the completion of the group’s strategic transformation.” He noted that Autoelectric was the last non-electrification business in the company’s portfolio. Now focused on connecting offshore wind farms and upgrading power transmission grids, Nexans operates in 41 countries with 28,500 employees.
Motherson strengthens its automotive wiring position
Indian group Motherson, active in more than 40 countries, continues to expand in automotive electrical and electronic components. Its Chairman Vivek Chaand Sehgal said that the integration of Autoelectric would foster innovation through technical and commercial synergies between the two companies.
The acquisition is part of Motherson’s ongoing strategy to strengthen its global position in automotive connectivity systems. Autoelectric’s expertise in complex cabling for electric vehicles could support this goal in a rapidly evolving sector.
Strong financial results for Nexans
Nexans’ strategic refocus has been accompanied by significant financial performance. In late July, the group reported more than doubling its net profit in the first half of 2025, reaching €372mn ($408mn), driven mainly by electrification infrastructure projects.
Nexans recorded total revenue of €7.1bn ($7.8bn) in 2024, consolidating its position as the world’s second-largest player in the sector behind Italy’s Prysmian. The group has aimed to streamline its client base, focusing on the most strategic segments.
