Klein Tools Buys Brazilian Tool & Equipment Manufacturer to Expand Global Reach

Klein Tools, Lincolnshire, Ill., has acquired Civitella & Cia Ltd., a privately-held tool and equipment manufacturer in Brazil. According to a Klein press release announcing the acquisition, Civitella’s manufacturing and distribution center is based in São Paulo and serves customers throughout Brazil. The release said the two companies will provide a full range of high-quality products for the electrical, construction, oil & gas and telecommunications industries.

Tom Klein, president of Klein Tools, said in the press release, “To successfully expand into Brazil, Klein Tools needs to have a physical presence in the country. The acquisition of Civitella provides Klein Tools with a business operation in Brazil and demonstrates a long-term commitment to the Brazilian market. Civitella is an outstanding company with premium products, excellent service and well-established clients that we are proud to join.” 

Brazil is the sixth-largest economy in the world and with its rapidly increasing middle class and ongoing  infrastructure investments. Klein believes Brazil offers a tremendous growth opportunity and said in the release that by partnering with Civitella, “South America’s largest premium grip manufacturer,” Klein Tools will further its reach internationally. 

“With the upcoming Olympics and World Cup events, there is an enormous amount of infrastructure construction in Brazil,” added Giuliano Civitella, marketing director of Civitella & Cia. “We feel our customers will appreciate and benefit from the expanded product offering and industry knowledge that comes from partnering with North America’s leading premium hand tool manufacturer.”

Founded in 1959, Civitella & Cia is a family-operated Brazilian company originally focused on the development and manufacturing of tools and equipment for the telecommunications industry. Today, its primary market is in electric transmission with secondary markets in electric distribution, oil & gas, and telecommunications. According to information on its website, in 1980 the company began developing machines and tools for the electric power sector, specifically for the construction and maintenance of transmission and distribution of electricity in offshore projects.  KleinTool has been a family-owned and operated tool manufacturer since 1857.

Klein Tools’ other big move into the global market over the past few years was its 2010 acquisition of  Australia-based Mumme Tools, a manufacturer of mining tools based in South Australia. According to information on the company’s website, Mumme Tools Pty. Ltd. supplies Australia and Oceania with more than 3,000 Klein Tools and accessories such as wire strippers, pliers, gloves and insulated tools. Klein Tools is also active in the Mexican market through  Herramientas Klein, S.A. De C.V., a Mexican subsidiary it established in 1972,  Although Klein made its name in the hand tools business, it’s growing its test instruments business, too, in part through the 50% equity position it acquired in 2010 in UEi Test Instruments, Beaverton, Ore., a manufacturer of portable testing and measurement products for select HVAC/R customers.