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Burges Salmon advises EXEDY Corporation on acquisition of Protean Electric

By Briony Barber

16 Mar 2026 2 min read

Electric car driving along a winding mountain road with wind turbines in the background

We have advised leading Japanese automotive components manufacturer EXEDY Corporation on its agreement to acquire Protean Electric Limited from BD Auto and Energy Ltd. Following the acquisition, Protean Electric will become a wholly owned subsidiary of EXEDY Corporation.

EXEDY, founded in 1950, is a leading developer and manufacturer of drivetrain components globally for automotive, motorcycle, construction, and agricultural industries.

The transaction sees EXEDY expand further into the rapidly growing electric vehicle sector by acquiring Protean Electric from BD Auto and Energy Ltd. The acquisition will help to transform EXEDY’s portfolio and provide new opportunities in the automotive sector.

The acquisition was supported by a cross‑firm team, led by Briony Barber, Alex Lloyd, Sophie Dicks and Nafisa El‑Turke, drawing on deep transactional experience and understanding of the market. The team advised EXEDY on all aspects of the transaction and helped guide the matter smoothly through to completion.

“This was an exciting and fast‑moving transaction to work on, and we’re delighted to have supported EXEDY as it continues to expand its footprint in the electric mobility space. Protean Electric has an impressive track record of innovation, and it has been a pleasure to work closely with the EXEDY team to deliver this acquisition.”

Briony Barber, Senior Associate, Burges Salmon

“We are very pleased to have reached this important milestone for the company. Protean Electric’s in‑wheel motor technology enhances vehicle control performance and provides greater freedom in vehicle design. We are grateful to the Burges Salmon team for their excellent support throughout the process.”

The team at EXEDY Corporation

Our Corporate and M&A practice advises multinational organisations and institutions, entrepreneurial businesses and high net worth individuals. Much of the team’s work has an international element, helping overseas clients expand into the UK and supporting UK based businesses to grow internationally.