Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (NASDAQ: FELE) Fort Wayne, Ind., USA-based Franklin has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Barnes de Colombia S.A., a leading manufacturer and distributor of industrial and commercial pumps based in Cota, Cundinamarca, Colombia. This acquisition aligns with Franklin Electric’s long-term growth and diversification goals, providing significant opportunities for expansion in Latin America.
Barnes de Colombia, also operating under the WDM brand in certain countries including the US, is headquartered near Bogotá, Colombia. It has two manufacturing facilities and over eight stocking locations in Colombia, as well as assembly facilities in Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina, and local warehouses in Guatemala, Panama, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile.
The acquisition enhances Franklin Electric’s product portfolio and market presence in key Latin American regions. Barnes de Colombia’s strong market position in Colombia and established operations in Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, and other Latin American countries is expected to help accelerate Franklin´s growth in the region. This acquisition supports Franklin Electric’s strategic goals of diversifying its product line and enhancing supply chain resilience while leveraging Barnes de Colombia’s robust distribution network and customer relationships.
“We are thrilled to welcome Barnes de Colombia to the Franklin Electric family,” says Joe Ruzynski, CEO of Franklin Electric. “This acquisition not only strengthens our presence in the high-growth Latin American markets but also enhances our ability to serve our customers with an expanded portfolio of innovative and high-quality products. Barnes’ approximately 400 team members and manufacturing and foundry capabilities will enhance our operating footprint materially and we are excited for these new team members and operations to contribute meaningfully to our growth and success. Together, we will continue to rely on our Key Factors for Success – quality, availability, service, innovation and cost – to deliver outstanding value to our customers.”
The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including Colombian antitrust clearance. Franklin Electric expects the acquisition to close on or about March 1, 2025.
Seale & Associates provided investment banking services to Barnes de Colombia and its owners in connection with the acquisition. Garrigues (Colombia and Mexico) provided legal counsel to Franklin Electric and Brigard Urrutia provided legal counsel to Barnes de Colombia.
