Kenosha-based Kenall Manufacturing Co. has been acquired by Legrand North and Central America, the U.S.-based subsidiary of the French firm Legrand.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Kenall will remain an independently operated and self-directed company.
Jim Hawkins, chairman and chief executive officer of Kenall, said the deal would allow the company to leverage Legrand’s lighting and IoT capabilities.
“Kenall, as part of Legrand, will continue to offer expertise in specification-driven markets with stringent requirements, while also meeting shorter lead-times for our customers, ensuring exceptional quality and performance, as well as a willingness to support modifications and customization,” Hawkins said.
Founded in Chicago in 1963, Kenall manufactures lighting solutions for transportation, health care, high abuse, food processing, cleanroom and correctional lighting markets. Hawkins took over sole ownership in 1983 from his father and company founder Ken Hawkins.
The company announced its move to Wisconsin in 2013 and was named the Kenosha Area Business Alliance business of the year in 2017.
It has around 400 employees and annual sales of roughly $100 million.
Legrand is a global specialist in electrical and digital building infrastructure and around $6.2 billion in revenue. The company is pursuing a strategy of sustainable growth through acquisitions and innovations and says the acquisition rounds out its lighting offerings in North America.
“We’ve seen tremendous growth in the specialty and architectural lighting segments through commercial, industrial and institutional channels,” said John Selldorff, president and CEO of LNCA. “With the acquisition of Kenall, Legrand expands its ability to bring innovative, intelligent, and solution-oriented products to new market segments enabling us to meet our customer’s evolving needs. Kenall’s unique products, customer focus, and innovative technology align perfectly with Legrand’s strategic market approach.”
Pat Marry, president of Kenall, will remain with the company and report to Selldorff. Hawkins will remain available to Legrand in an advisory capacity.
