Lincoln Electric, a manufacturer of welding, cutting, and brazing products, agreed to acquire Fori Automation, a manufacturer and designer of material handling, assembly, testing and welding systems catering, for $427m. “This transaction represents an exciting growth opportunity for both organizations by bringing together best-in-class automation platforms and engineering expertise to drive value for all of our stakeholders and accelerate our automation growth and resources to advance our Higher Standard 2025 strategy. Customers are increasingly investing in automation to efficiently grow their businesses, and our organizations are at the forefront helping automotive, aerospace, and industrial customers achieve their operational goals," Christopher L. Mapes, Lincoln Chairman, President and CEO.