Mergers&Acquisitions

Alcoa, Parent of Kawneer, Announces Acquisition of Traco
Alcoa, parent company of Kawneer, has agreed to purchase Traco in Cranberry Township, Pa., a privately held manufacturer of doors and windows for the commercial building and construction market. As part of the acquisition, Traco will become part of Alcoa’s global Building and Construction Systems business.

The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter 2010, subject to customary regulatory reviews.

“Traco’s strong brand and product lines are well known throughout the commercial building market and we look forward to helping the brand continue to flourish,” said Glen Morrison, president of Alcoa Building and Construction Systems, who will oversee the business. “The Traco portfolio of products and commitment to quality and customer service dovetails with Alcoa’s focus on customers. Through this combination, we see many opportunities to grow our collective business through better service, more comprehensive product offerings and greater efficiency.”

Kevin Lowery, director of corporate communicates for Alcoa, told USGlass that “The Traco name/brand are strong in the commercial building and construction industry and is one we’ve known for some time and has a complimentary product portfolio [to Alcoa’s]. So when the opportunity came to us … we definitely said ‘let’s talk about this’ and we were fortunately able to come to an agreement to buy the business.”

According to Lowery, the companies do not foresee any major changes for customers as a result of the acquisition.

“Our plan is to find the best way to integrate the two businesses. When you buy a business like this the goal is not to go and change everything [about it] … We’re tapping into the strengths of both companies to help each other grow. This really is a growth story for everybody and our goal is to help our customers grow,” said Lowery, who adds that operations will continue in Cranberry Township.

“Our intent is to grow that business as well as our existing Alcoa construction business,” said Lowery. “We see lots of opportunity [for growth].” In addition, he adds that Traco management/employees will become a part of Alcoa.

“There’s a reason we’re buying this company; it’s a good business and that involves having good employees,” Lowery said.
Morrison added, “We are excited about the growth potential presented by this transaction and looking forward to deploying strategies to realize these opportunities once it is completed.”
www.alcoa.com

CRL Purchases Supply Division of Vitrododi
Los Angeles-based C.R. Laurence Co. Inc (CRL) has acquired the supply division of the Italian Vitrododi International Co. For three generations Vitrododi has been operating in the glass field supplying machines and tools. The Italian company, based in Milan, serves several markets, predominantly across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. The business was established in 1927 for the traditional production of mirror paint. By the ‘80s it had begun to develop and manufacture its own machinery and, among other things, became the exclusive European distributor for Toyo Glass Cutters from Japan.

The company developed into two distinct business units, Vitrododi Production and Vitrododi Supply. It is the supply business that has been acquired by CRL, along with the distribution rights to the entire Toyo product line. This will allow Vitrododi to focus on research and development and the manufacturing of its glass washers, which will become the core business of the company’s production division.

“This move … underscores our commitment to developing the European, Middle East, and North African markets,” says Lloyd Talbert, president of CRL.

According to information from the company, CRL will retain the Vitrododi name. CRL Vitrododi will continue to supply wholesalers and distributors throughout the region, in addition to any existing end users. The business will be transferred to the company’s new sales and distribution facility near Manchester, UK.
www.crlaurence.com

Hartung Glass Acquires Holcam Sales Inc.
Hartung Glass Industries in Seattle has acquired Holcam Sales Inc., a bath and shower enclosure manufacturer also in Seattle. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Hartung says the location will continue operating as Holcam Sales Inc.

“This acquisition marks the integration of two premier bath enclosure companies, Holcam and Agalite, with highly experienced management teams, strong reputations for quality, skilled work forces and elaborate distribution networks, which will tremendously enhance the product lines and service levels we provide to our customers,” says Nick Sciola, Hartung Glass Industries president and owner.

Rick Wenala, who has worked with Holcam for 28 years and remains the company’s general manager, adds, “Over the past 50 years we have been two companies operating in the same market with differing areas of expertise. Having the opportunity to work together will quickly benefit the entire customer base with expanded capabilities and increased functionality. We are excited and proud to be a part of it.”

According to the announcement, the Holcam acquisition is Hartung’s second major acquisition in less than six months.
www.hartung-glass.com

USG
© Copyright 2010 Key Communications Inc. All rights reserved.
No reproduction of any type without expressed written permission.