Electrolux to buy GE’s appliance division for $3.3 billion
Swedish appliance maker Electrolux will buy General Electric’s appliance division for $3.3 billion, the companies announced Monday.
Electrolux, which owns the Frigidaire and Eureka brands, is looking to gain market share in North America and globally. It is the second-largest home appliance maker after Benton Harbor, Mich.-based Whirlpool.
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FOR THE RECORD
An earlier version of this post said General Electric’s appliance division had $8.3 billion in sales last year and $381 million in earnings. In fact, those amounts included the company’s lighting unit.
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Electrolux CEO Keith McLoughlin said the acquisition, the largest ever for the company, provides “the scale and opportunity to accelerate our investments in innovation and global growth.”
A long-term license agreement with GE will give Electrolux the right to use GE Appliances brands. The Stockholm-based appliance maker said GE’s U.S. distribution and logistics network will allow it to offer a wider range of products to consumers.
GE confirmed last month that it was in discussions to sell its appliance division, maker of refrigerators, freezers, cooking products, dishwashers, washers and dryers, air conditioners and other products for the home.
The company has said it plans to focus its portfolio on core industrial units, which include more profitable businesses in energy, electric power generation, aviation and healthcare.
In a joint statement from the two companies, GE Chief Executive Officer Jeff Immelt said the appliance division is a “perfect fit with Electrolux and its goal of accelerating growth in the U.S.”
GE Appliances posted $5.7 billion in sales last year and $390 million in earnings excluding interest and certain charges. Headquartered in Louisville, Ky., it employs 12,000 workers at nine factories.
The deal also includes a 48.4% stake in Mexican appliance company Mabe, which develops and manufactures portions of GE Appliance’s product line.
Electrolux had sales of about $15.3 billion and 61,000 employees in 2013. Its North American operations are based in Charlotte, N.C.
The deal, which must clear regulators, is expected to close in 2015.
GE shares rose 5 cents, or 0.19%, to $26.15.
Twitter: @chadgarland
