Contractormag Com Sites Contractormag com Files Uploads 2014 06 Water Furnace
Contractormag Com Sites Contractormag com Files Uploads 2014 06 Water Furnace
Contractormag Com Sites Contractormag com Files Uploads 2014 06 Water Furnace
Contractormag Com Sites Contractormag com Files Uploads 2014 06 Water Furnace
Contractormag Com Sites Contractormag com Files Uploads 2014 06 Water Furnace

NIBE to acquire WaterFurnace

June 23, 2014
Swedish based NIBE, one of the leading heat pump manufacturers in Europe, is teaming up with US-based WaterFurnace, one of the market leaders in North American geothermal heat pump heating and cooling solutions market. WaterFurnace will continue to operate as a separate entity under the leadership of its CEO Tom Huntington and his management team, forming part of NIBE’s business area NIBE Energy Systems. NIBE intends to develop the business as a growth platform in North America.  
MARKARYD, SWEDEN & FORT WAYNE, IND. — WaterFurnace Renewable Energy Inc. and NIBE Industrier AB  of Sweden are pleased to announce that they have entered into an arrangement agreement pursuant to which NIBE will acquire 100% of the outstanding shares of WaterFurnace by way of a plan of arrangement under the Canada Business Corporations Act.

“This transaction is NIBE’s largest to date in North America and further elevates our position as one of the global market leaders in sustainable energy solutions,” said Gerteric Lindquist, CEO of NIBE. “Following our successful expansion of our Elements Division in the United States, the teaming up with WaterFurnace represents a strategic match and bridgehead into North America also for our largest business area Energy Systems. We are pleased to see that both groups share the same entrepreneurial tradition and technological vision, being one of the first companies to market geothermal heat pump solutions on respective sides of the Atlantic.”

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"I believe this is a compelling offer for our shareholders and I am confident that WaterFurnace and its employees have found an excellent strategic partner in NIBE,” said Tom Huntington, CEO of WaterFurnace. “The combined talents of these two fine companies are aimed at helping people around the globe find sustainable energy solutions. As CEO of WaterFurnace and on behalf of my whole team, I can state that we are excited to be joining one of the market leaders in our industry.”

Founded in 1983, WaterFurnace has a longstanding track-record as a premier brand and manufacturer of geothermal heat pump heating and cooling solutions in North America. The company’s product offering includes a range of geothermal heat pumps, smart control systems, hot water storage tanks and indoor air quality solutions. Products are marketed under the WaterFurnace and GeoStar brands in North America, and the WFI brand via a joint venture in China.

In the financial year 2013, WaterFurnace achieved net sales of US$119 million with an EBIT* margin of 17%. Approximately 70% of net sales account for residential products, both retrofit and new construction, with the remainder representing solutions for commercial use. Headquartered in Fort Wayne, Ind., WaterFurnace has 267 employees and has been listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange since 1993.

WaterFurnace is a leading manufacturer of residential, commercial, industrial and institutional geothermal and water source heat pumps. The geothermal units use the renewable solar energy stored in the ground to dramatically reduce the energy consumed by buildings for heating, cooling and hot water.

In addition to having earned a reputation as a leader in geothermal heat pumps, WaterFurnace has in recent years worked to innovate new technologies, integrate key trends and grow the core business

NIBE is an international heating technology company. Operations are organized around three business areas - NIBE Element, NIBE Energy Systems and NIBE Stoves - all united under a shared vision: to create world-class solutions in sustainable energy.

The group has more than 9,000 employees and carries out business operations in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia. In 2013, net sales and operating profit (EBIT) amounted to SEK 9,834 million (US$1,461 million) and SEK 1,179 million (US$175 million) respectively.

NIBE Energy Systems is a market leader for heat pumps in Europe and one of Europe’s major manufacturers of water heaters and other products for indoor climate comfort. The mission of NIBE Energy Systems is to supply homes and other buildings with products that provide domestic hot water and ensure a comfortable indoor climate. The product range comprises both individual heating products and solutions for heating, cooling and heat recovery.

NIBE Element is one of the leading international manufacturers of components and solutions for measuring, controlling and electric heating applications. NIBE Element’s mission is to supply both manufacturers and users with components and systems within these areas. NIBE Stoves is the European market leader in wood-burning stoves. The business area’s mission is to supply the market with attractively designed, value-for-money solid-fuel stoves and chimney systems developed and manufactured with genuine concern for the natural environment.

 

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