In its largest acquisition ever, Hubbell Inc., Orange, Conn., announced its plan to acquire U.S. Industries Inc.'s (USI) domestic lighting division, LCA Group Inc., which includes well-known lighting brands such as Progress, Architectural Area Lighting, Columbia, Dual-Lite, Kim, Moldcast, Prescolite and Spaulding. The acquisition would give Hubbell Lighting a commanding presence in the residential lighting market and fill out its commercial and industrial lighting offerings. Progress Lighting is one of the biggest names in the residential market, and several of the other brands would add to Hubbell Lighting's specification business, particularly in the fluorescent, track, downlighting, and outdoor lighting markets. Other lines that would be acquired include emergency lighting, commercial outdoor fixtures and light-commercial decorative lighting fixtures. The sale does not include USI's European lighting company, SiTeco.
According to Hubbell, LCA Group had 2001 sales of more than $575 million. Hubbell expects the transaction to close in the second quarter.