M&A Daily: Siemens Aims to be Smart-Grid Player (SI, GRID, ITRI)

Siemens AG (NYSE: SI) could be close to making a name for itself inside the world of smart-grid technology.  The company has said it plans to make a couple of larger deals in the sector over the next year.  No size was given, but the focus is likely to be in the value around the software rather than the eMeters themselves.  The hints here may point to venture-backed companies but we are going to highlight several players that could be M&A targets for the $115 billion company.  This unfortunately sounds as though it would leave Itron, Inc, (NASDAQ: ITRI) without a buyer if Siemens sticks to its indications.

First Trust NASDAQ Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Index ETF (NASDAQ: GRID).  Make no mistake, only the components matter here as the ETF is so small and so thinly traded that it has generally been forgotten about by most traders and investors.  At $34.01, its 52-week trading range is $26.84 to $35.23.  Here is a list of the components, which is actually a global list rather than just being US-listed base of companies.

Siemens AG (NYSE: SI) trades at $132.34 per ADR and its 52-week trading range is $82.74 to $135.45.  So far it is holding up rather well considering its European base and the troubles in the E.U. and the lands of the PIIGS so far.  As a reminder, all “M&A chatter” is counted as nothing more than a rumor until a deal is announced.

JON C. OGG