ESCO Announces Divestiture of VACCO Industries
Rhea-AI Summary
ESCO Technologies (NYSE: ESE) has announced the sale of its VACCO Industries subsidiary to RBC Bearings (NYSE: RBC) for $310 million in gross cash proceeds. The transaction, expected to close pending regulatory approvals, will result in a significant book gain. ESCO plans to use the net proceeds to reduce debt from its Maritime acquisition.
This divestiture follows a strategic review announced last August and aligns with ESCO's strategy to focus on core high-growth markets. VACCO, which has been part of ESCO since 1990, is a provider of highly-technical mission-critical solutions. The sale represents a strategic move to streamline ESCO's portfolio while ensuring VACCO's continued growth under RBC Bearings' ownership.
Positive
- Substantial cash proceeds of $310 million from the sale
- Significant book gain expected from the transaction
- Strategic debt reduction opportunity for Maritime acquisition
- Alignment with long-term strategy to focus on core high-growth markets
Negative
- Loss of VACCO's revenue stream and technical capabilities
- Reduction in business diversification
News Market Reaction
On the day this news was published, ESE declined 1.57%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
St. Louis, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ESCO Technologies Inc. (NYSE: ESE) (ESCO, or the Company) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell VACCO Industries (VACCO) to RBC Bearings Incorporated (NYSE: RBC), an international manufacturer and marketer of highly engineered precision bearings and products, headquartered in Oxford, Connecticut.
The Company expects to finalize the transaction upon receipt of certain customary regulatory approvals with expected gross cash proceeds of
Last August, the Company announced a strategic review of the VACCO business and the resulting divestiture supports ESCO’s long-term strategy to focus its portfolio on core high-growth end-markets. VACCO has been a part of ESCO since its formation in 1990 and is a key supplier of highly-technical mission-critical solutions. Bryan Sayler, Chief Executive Officer and President, commented, “We view this transaction as a great outcome for all and are confident that VACCO and its dedicated management team and employees are positioned for a positive future with RBC Bearings.”
ESCO was represented by Philpott, Ball & Werner, LLC as exclusive financial advisor and Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP as legal advisor on this transaction.
ESCO Technologies is a global provider of highly engineered products and solutions serving diverse end-markets. It manufactures filtration and fluid control products, advanced composites, as well as signature and power management solutions for aviation, Navy, space, and industrial customers. ESCO is an industry leader in designing and manufacturing RF test and measurement products and systems; and provides diagnostic instruments, software and services to industrial power users and the electric utility and renewable energy industries. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, ESCO and its subsidiaries have offices and manufacturing facilities worldwide. For more information on ESCO and its subsidiaries, visit ESCO’s website at www.escotechnologies.com.
SOURCE ESCO Technologies Inc.
Kate Lowrey, Vice President of Investor Relations, (314) 213-7277
FAQ
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