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Vertiv, the data center systems maker formerly known as Emerson Network Power, revealed Jan. 16 that has acquired Energy Labs, a privately owned, U.S.-based manufacturer of custom air-handling systems.
The acquisition is designed to strengthen Vertiv’s position in the data center thermal management space and enables expansion into commercial and industrial segments with industry-leading cooling solutions.
The transaction price was not released, but eWEEK learned that it exceeded $100 million.
Energy Labs manufactures custom air handling and modular solutions, including direct evaporative, indirect evaporative and direct expansion cooling technologies. These additions to Vertiv increase the company’s capabilities in the commercial and industrial space, creating additional opportunities to work with universities, hospitals, airports, office buildings and other commercial segments where air handling systems are the preferred cooling solution.
Cloud and colocation providers also are driving a robust market for these large, free-cooling air handling solutions, and the acquisition bolsters the Vertiv portfolio for these important customers, the company said.
“This acquisition supports our growth strategy to find companies that both align with our values and bolster our current offerings,” Vertiv CEO Rob Johnson said. “Energy Labs is a perfect fit, with talented people, innovative technologies and complementary expertise that will help us continue to meet the needs of our customers, while also expanding into adjacent markets.”
When it was known as Emerson Network Power, Columbus, Ohio-based Vertiv made its reputation by building reliable UPS systems (uninterruptible power supplies, a battery backup in AC systems). It has since branched out into developing data center management equipment and software (such as Avocent Trellis) and appliances, among other items.
Vertiv also designs, builds and services critical infrastructure that enables applications for data centers, communication networks and commercial and industrial facilities. The company’s products support the growing mobile and cloud computing markets with a list of power, thermal and infrastructure management packages, including the Chloride, Liebert, NetSure and Trellis brands. Sales in fiscal 2016 were $4.4 billion.
Energy Labs is headquartered in San Diego, Calif. and has more than 900 employees in the U.S. and Mexico.
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