Symbotic slips after buying German automation firm cellumation

** Shares of AI robotics firm Symbotic SYM.O fall more than 1% to $40.36 premarket

** Co announces acquisition of Germany-based automation company cellumation

** SYM says cellumation's patented 'celluveyor,' a surface of separately controlled hexagonal cells that sorts items as it moves them, which co expects to replace conventional conveyors in its next-generation robotic cells

** Says acquisition will strengthen European presence

** SYM says cellumation to keep operating under its own name, selling to customers and other integrators; founders to remain and lead operations

** Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed

** Ten of 18 brokerages rate the stock "buy" or above, 5 "hold" and 3 "sell"; median PT - $64.39 - data compiled by LSEG

** As of last close, stock has fallen ~31.5% YTD