Emerson announced an agreement to sell Network Power business to Platinum Equity and a group of co-investors at $4 billion.
The Columbus, Ohio-based Network Power provides thermal management, A/C and D/C power, transfer switches, services and information management systems for the data center and telecommunications industries. The company reported revenue of approximately $4.4 billion in fiscal 2015.
In pursuant to the transaction, Emerson will retain a subordinated interest in Network Power.
The sale of Network Power is expected to close by December 31, 2016, subject to customary regulatory approvals.
“This agreement marks a major milestone in the strategic portfolio repositioning we announced last June,” said David N. Farr, chairman and chief executive officer of Emerson. “By selling Network Power to Platinum Equity, we have achieved a successful result for our shareholders as part of our plan to streamline Emerson to create a more focused company with significant opportunities for growth and profitability in our core served markets.”
Farr further said Network Power has a bright future ahead and Platinum Equity is well-positioned to help the company continue to thrive and realize its full potential.
Platinum Equity chairman and CEO Tom Gores, said, “Emerson is a world class company that we know shares our commitment to creating value, and this is an important investment in a business that will be a cornerstone in our portfolio. It plays to our core strengths. In addition to our capital resources, we will deploy our global operations skills to build on the foundation Emerson created and take this business to another level.”
The proposed sale marks Emerson’s second divestiture to Platinum Equity in the last three years. In November 2013 Emerson sold a 51 percent controlling stake in its embedded computing and power business, which Platinum Equity rebranded Artesyn Embedded Technologies.
Network Power will continue to be led by Scott Barbour, who has been Executive Vice President of Emerson and Business Leader for Network Power.
J.P. Morgan Securities and Centerview Partners served as financial advisors to Emerson and Davis Polk & Wardwell served as legal advisor.
Rajani Baburajan