Berlin-based Siemens AG, one of the world's largest electrical engineering and electronics companies, said Monday it has turned its Japanese arm into a holding company to integrate the businesses of its group companies in Japan.

The parent company said Siemens K.K. in Tokyo was turned into the holding company as of Oct. 1, taking under its wing five affiliate companies.

The five integrated under the new holding company are Siemens-Asahi Medical Technologies Ltd., Siemens VDO Automotive K.K., Yaskawa Siemens Automation & Drives Corp., Yaskawa Siemens Numerical Controls Corp. and Mochida Siemens Medical Systems Co.