Mahle has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the wholly-owned thermal business of US automotive supplier Delphi Automotive plc. In 2014, the division and its approximately 7,600 employees achieved annual sales of around $1.2 billion (roughly 1.0 billion euros). After approval by the relevant antitrust authorities, a closing of the deal is anticipated for the fall of 2015. Further, it is intended to acquire the joint venture of Delphi Thermal in China. Mahle said the takeover supports the strategic expansion of the important thermal management growth sector within the Mahle Group.