ROBERT Bosch GmbH has struck a deal with component firm Mahle for air-conditioning firm RTI Technologies.

The move is part of a series of measures taken by the German firm in order to satisfy U.S regulators in order that the much-publicised acquisition of SPX's automotive division can proceed.

"RTI Technologies presents a tremendous opportunity for Mahle to expand our business into the repair shop equipment sector of the automotive aftermarket," said Dan Moody, General Manager of Mahle's aftermarket business for North America.

Bosch acquired RTI - best known for AC supplies and nitrogen inflators - in late 2010. Last year Bosch announced an intention to acquire the automotive division of US firm SPX, but the Federal Trade Commission placed several demands on the German firm before a deal could take place. This included selling certain parts of the business due to concerns that Bosch had too much of the air conditioning market. The FTC also required that Bosch allow free access to some of its key patents.

The Bosch-SPX deal is set to complete in the very near future.