Emerson to Sell Remaining Interest in Copeland

ST. LOUIS — Emerson has agreed to sell its remaining interests in the Copeland joint venture (formerly Emerson Climate Technologies) for approximately $3.5 billion, with pre-tax cash proceeds of $3.4 billion and the release of $1 million of future indemnity obligations.

Private equity funds managed by Blackstone Private Equity will purchase Emerson’s 40% common equity ownership in the joint venture, while Copeland will repurchase the seller’s note.

“This transaction is a key step to simplify our portfolio and enhance Emerson’s focus as a global leader in automation,” Lal Karsanbhai, Emerson’s president and CEO, said in a press release. “We believe now is the right time to execute our plans to fully exit the Copeland business. This agreement with Blackstone provides certainty and portfolio simplification to Emerson shareholders, while enhancing our focus on executing in our attractive, high-growth automation markets.”

“We appreciate Emerson’s partnership and are pleased to reach this agreement to acquire full ownership of Copeland,” said Joe Baratta, global head of Blackstone Private Equity. “Copeland has a world-class team that is helping lead the transition to more energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions — and we are excited to continue supporting its accelerated growth in the years ahead.”

The transactions have been unanimously approved by Emerson’s board of directors and are expected to close in the second half of the year, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions, the press release said. The transactions are expected to result in a net pretax gain of approximately $2 million. Emerson intends to use the approximately $2.9 billion in after-tax cash proceeds to pay down existing debt.

A wholly owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) and the Singaporean wealth fund GIC will invest alongside Blackstone as part of the transaction.