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Brossard, Quebec, Canada — March 9, 2015 — Distech Controls Inc. an innovation leader in building automation and energy management solutions based out of Quebec, Canada, announced it has entered into an agreement to be acquired by Acuity Brands, Inc., a leading provider of intelligent lighting solutions.
Distech Controls' building automation and energy management solutions combined with Acuity Brands' broad, industry-leading solid-state lighting portfolio, innovative control technologies, and integrated digital solutions will create the opportunity to offer solutions that can provide 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.
Distech Controls will continue to employ its 190 team members worldwide, led by current executives, including founder, president and CEO Etienne Veilleux. The company will maintain its head office in Quebec as well as its European office in Lyon, France, and continue to execute its global growth strategy. It will become part of the Acuity Brands portfolio of businesses, continuing to operate as a separate entity, with management teams jointly developing future growth strategies.
The manner in which buildings are used and operated is evolving. The deployment of intelligent digital networks provides the opportunity to create an indoor environment that increases productivity, improves operational efficiency, and enhances safety.
The technologies resident in lighting, temperature, ventilation, access control, and fire safety systems are converging into a single digital ecosystem. This convergence provides a singular opportunity to couple the building management portfolio of Distech Controls with the smart lighting and control systems of Acuity Brands to deliver fully integrated digital solutions that are unmatched in their ability to efficiently deliver both lighting and a quality indoor environment.
“Since its inception, Distech Controls has consistently led the way in delivering innovative products and solutions that enable improved energy efficiency,” Veilleux said. “For 20 years, the success of Distech Controls has been based on the skills and innovative spirit of the people here. Together, we will continue to grow by furthering our local investment, creating more jobs here in Quebec and abroad, while preserving our unique ability to innovate. Joining Acuity Brands will open new doors for us, and we are truly excited about the opportunities this provides to our employees, customers and partners.”
Vernon J. Nagel, chairman, president, and CEO of Acuity Brands, said, “We believe the combination of our dynamic businesses and strong leadership teams will provide growth opportunities with key customer sets, and will strengthen each of our primary sales channel partners in their respective markets. Acuity and Distech Controls combined offers the opportunity to deliver comprehensive solutions that fulfill the promise of intelligent buildings.”
