Acuity Brands Adds to Building Control with Deal for Distech Controls

Acuity Brands Inc., Atlanta, will buy Canadian automation and energy management company Distech Controls Inc. for $252.8 million.

Quebec-based Distech, with annual sales of about $56 million, would give Acuity more to offer in intelligent building and energy management systems. Distech’s products are used to integrate lighting, HVAC, access control, closed circuit television and related systems.

“The acquisition of Distech Controls … is part of our strategy to offer true end-to-end optimization of all aspects of the building for enhanced occupant experience, quality visual environment, seamless operation, energy efficiency, operational cost reductions, and increased digital functionality," said Acuity Chairman, President and CEO Vernon Nagel, in a release.

Distech will join Acuity's basket of brands that includes Lithonia Lighting, Holophane, Peerless, Gotham, Mark Architectural Lighting, Winona Lighting, Healthcare Lighting, Hydrel, American Electric Lighting, Carandini, Antique Street Lamps, Sunoptics, RELOC Wiring Solutions, Acculamp, eldoLED and Acuity Controls.

Etienne Veilleux, Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Distech Controls, said, “Both our organizations share a very similar vision and passion for the success of our customers and employees. Our core expertise in integrating building systems through software and services perfectly complements Acuity's broad portfolio of lighting solutions. We look forward to utilizing the resources of our combined businesses to accelerate intelligent building automation and energy management solutions into the market.”

Distech Controls serves multiple market segments through its worldwide business divisions, service offices and a superior network of Authorized Partners.