ASSA ABLOY to Sell Yale, Emtek Brands in Response to Antitrust Concerns Over Spectrum Acquisition
The DOJ filed a complaint in September alleging that the merger would eliminate important head-to-head competition between ASSA ABLOY and Spectrum, severely impacting the premium mechanical door hardware and smart lock markets.
(Image: ASSA ABLOY)
STOCKHOLM — The ASSA ABLOY Group has formally filed its response to the U.S. Department of Justice’s complaint to block the proposed acquisition of the Hardware and Home Improvement division (HHI) of Spectrum Brands.
ASSA ABLOY announced the $4.3 billion acquisition of Spectrum’s HHI division in September 2021. The division includes the Kwikset, Baldwin, Weiser, Pfister and National Hardware brands.
Filed last month, the DOJ’s complaint alleges that the merger would eliminate important head-to-head competition between ASSA ABLOY and Spectrum, risking higher prices, lower quality, reduced innovation and poorer service in the sale of at least two types of residential door hardware: premium mechanical door hardware and smart locks.
The complaint also states that the proposed transaction would transform these markets, giving ASSA ABLOY a near-monopoly in premium mechanical door hardware and more than a 50% share in smart locks, leaving only one significant competitor.
To fully resolve all the alleged competitive concerns surrounding the acquisition of HHI, ASSA ABLOY says it has initiated a sales process of Emtek and its Yale smart residential business in the U.S. and Canada.
These businesses represented sales of about $350 million in 2021, according to the company. Residential businesses outside of the U.S. and Canada are not in scope to be divested.
“We believe strongly in the acquisition of HHI as we together will increase investments in the residential segments and strengthen our combined product offering for the benefit of consumers. The proposed remedies eliminate all competitive concerns alleged by the DOJ,” says Nico Delvaux, president and CEO of ASSA ABLOY.
ASSA ABLOY says the proposed divestitures are dependent on its successful defense against the DOJ regarding the planned acquisition of HHI. It adds that the company will remain fully committed to the businesses during the process and all the businesses will continue to operate as normal.
If you enjoyed this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our FREE digital newsletters!
Related Content
Security Is Our Business, Too
For professionals who recommend, buy and install all types of electronic security equipment, a free subscription to Commercial Integrator + Security Sales & Integration is like having a consultant on call. You’ll find an ideal balance of technology and business coverage, with installation tips and techniques for products and updates on how to add to your bottom line.
A FREE subscription to the top resource for security and integration industry will prove to be invaluable.
