Emerson to Acquire Tools and Test Equipment Business from Textron to Create Leading Portfolio for the Pro

Author photo: Tim Shea
ByTim Shea
Category:
Acquisition or Partnership

Emerson announced it has signed an agreement to purchase the Tools and Test Equipment (Tools & Test) business of Textron for $810 million.  Tools & Test is a leading manufacturer of electrical and utility tools, diagnostics, and test and measurement instruments with strong global distribution and highly respected brands, including Greenlee and Klauke.  The acquisition, joined with Emerson’s Ridge Tool Company, creates a global $1 billion professional tools business with the broadest offering for mechanical, electrical and plumbing contractors.  Emerson expects the acquisition to be accretive to earnings in fiscal 2019 and immediately accretive to cash flow.

Tools & Test’s longtime leadership in electrical joining paired with the RIDGID portfolio of joining technologies for mechanical and plumbing applications creates a leading position in a fast-growing segment, critical for meeting the safety and efficiency needs of the professional trades.  In addition, Tools & Test brings offerings in diagnostics and other digital technologies that are an excellent fit with RIDGID.  From a geographic perspective, Tools & Test’s strong presence in European markets complements the market strength of RIDGID outside of Europe, and furthers the company’s mission to be the global tool of choice for the professional contractor.

Headquartered in Rockford, Ill., Tools & Test has 2,300 employees with 11 manufacturing locations around the world and 2017 sales of $470 million.

The acquisition is expected to close within the next 90 days, subject to various regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

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