APC 2009 Annual Report Download - page 20

2009 REGISTRATION DOCUMENT SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC18
DESCRIPTION OFTHEGROUP, ITSMARKETS ANDITSBUSINESSES
1A STRATEGIC FOCUS ON BALANCING THEENERGYEQUATION
A unique portfolio
A successful transformation to meet
tomorrow’s challenges
Schneider Electric’s strategic repositioning, initiated in early 2000, has
given the Group a unique portfolio that allows it to take advantage
of multiple growth opportunities—including those related to smart
energy—and cushion the impact of economic ups and downs such
as the current economic crisis.
In focusing on energy management since 2000, Schneider Electric
has strengthened its leadership in electrical distribution, automation
and industrial control while expanding in new markets and high-
growth segments such as building automation, critical power and
cooling services, grid connection systems for renewable energies
and services.
This unique, broad and consistent portfolio has allowed the Group to:
•meet its customers’ new needs and emerging expectations;
•balance and diversify its exposure to end markets;
•double its accessible market and growth profi le;
•evolve from a product-based business to one built around
products and solutions.
Today, Schneider Electric covers the world’s main areas of energy
consumption; it operates in markets that represent 72% of fi nal
energy use .
Green
Make the connection
of renewable energy
sources easy, reliable,
and cost-effective
Productive
Manage processes,
enhance any
infrastructure
utilities management
Efficient
Measure and control
energy, automate,
and provide accurate
diagnoses
Reliable
Prevent power
outages and energy
quality variances
Safe
Transform and
distribute power
safely
Achieving more with less to preserve our
planet…
...thanks to Schneider Electric’s Power Business
Number1 worldwide in low voltage
Number3 worldwide in medium voltage
Number1 worldwide in energy monitoring and control
Number2 worldwide in installation systems and control
Schneider Electric’s Power solutions transform and manage high
voltage electricity from the distribution grid. The medium voltage
power is then transformed into low voltage power for delivery to
end users. The line up includes a very wide range of circuit breakers,
transformers, and busbar trunking for industrial, commercial and
residential buildings.
Solutions for the residential market include lighting and heating
management devices (sockets, switches, drives, thermostats, etc.),
control systems for doors, gates and shutters; security, fi re alarm and
intruder alert systems; and Voice-Data-Image networks that bring
phone, TV and Internet capabilities into every room.
As concerns recent strategic transactions, Schneider Electric and
Fuji Electric Holdings signed a joint venture agreement in electrical
distribution and industrial control in August2008 to serve Japan,
China and other Asian markets.
With the 2008 acquisition of Canada-based Xantrex, a world leader
in inverters for solar and wind power installations, the Group added
to its stature as a major player in renewable energy solutions.
In late November 2009, Schneider Electric and Alstom announced
plans to acquire Areva T&D, with the intention of transferring the
Transmission business to Alstom and the Distribution business to
Schneider Electric. By combining its medium voltage operations
with Areva’s Distribution activities, Schneider Electric would become