Bel acquiring power conversion specialist Power-One from ABB for $117 million

Bel Fuse Inc. (NASDAQ: BELFA; BELFB) announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the Power-One Power Solutions business of ABB Ltd. (NYSE: ABB). Bel will pay approximately $117 million in cash to acquire the Power Solutions business, which had 2013 revenue of approximately $251 million.

Headquartered in San Jose, California, and with manufacturing facilities in Slovakia and China, Power Solutions is a provider of high-efficiency and high-density power conversion products for server, storage and networking equipment, industrial applications and power systems. The company offers a premier line of standard, modified-standard and custom designed AC/DC, DC/DC and other specific power conversion products for a variety of technologies in data centers, telecommunications and industrial applications.

Bel notes that Power Solutions has a global sales footprint and a diverse customer base that includes some of the largest corporations and distributors in the world. The company has 2,015 associates worldwide. The acquisition, which is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions, is expected to close in the second quarter of 2014 and to be immediately accretive to Bel's earnings.

"The acquisition of Power Solutions is a major step forward in the development of Bel's power business and the implementation of our strategy to enhance growth and profitability for our shareholders," comments Daniel Bernstein, Bel's president and CEO. "Since 2009, we have believed that the combination of our two respective power businesses would create a dynamic enterprise capable of competing effectively on a global basis. Bel is excited by the many growth opportunities that will be created by this transaction, and we look forward to building an industry-leading power business with our new colleagues at Power Solutions."

Bel is using KeyBank N.A. to finance the acquisition and will also use cash on hand. Stephens Inc. is acting as financial advisor to Bel in the transaction. Bel will release earnings for the first quarter ended March 31, 2014 on Wednesday, April 30, 2014.

"Bel Fuse's strong heritage, brand and global position will provide the Power Solutions business with excellent growth opportunities," concludes ABB CEO Ulrich Spiesshofer.