columbus mckinnon faces antitrust review delay in kito acquisition

Published 02/06/2025, 10:44
columbus mckinnon faces antitrust review delay in kito acquisition

Columbus McKinnon Corporation (NASDAQ:CMCO), a New York-based construction machinery and equipment company with a market capitalization of $412 million, announced it has received a request for additional information from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division regarding its planned acquisition of Kito Crosby Limited. The company’s stock, currently trading at $14.56, has experienced significant pressure, down over 60% year-to-date, according to InvestingPro data. This request, known as a "Second Request," was issued on May 28, extending the antitrust review period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act.

The acquisition, initially agreed upon in a Stock Purchase Agreement on February 10, 2025, involves Columbus McKinnon acquiring all outstanding equity of Kito. Both Columbus McKinnon and Kito’s parent entity, KKR North America Fund XI L.P., had previously submitted the necessary notification and report forms to the Antitrust Division and the Federal Trade Commission.

The issuance of the Second Request necessitates that Columbus McKinnon and KKR comply with additional information requirements before the review period can conclude. The waiting period will now extend to 30 days following substantial compliance with the request, unless voluntarily extended by the parties or terminated earlier by the Antitrust Division.

Columbus McKinnon has stated its commitment to working closely with the Antitrust Division to expedite the review process. Completion of the acquisition remains contingent upon the expiration or termination of the waiting period and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions outlined in the Purchase Agreement. InvestingPro analysis indicates the company maintains strong liquidity with a current ratio of 1.81, while trading at an attractive Price/Book multiple of 0.47. According to InvestingPro’s Fair Value assessment, the stock appears significantly undervalued at current levels.

This development is based on a press release statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For deeper insights into Columbus McKinnon’s financial health, valuation metrics, and growth prospects, investors can access the comprehensive Pro Research Report, available exclusively on InvestingPro, which covers over 1,400 US stocks with detailed analysis and actionable intelligence.

In other recent news, Columbus McKinnon reported its fourth-quarter and fiscal year 2025 results, showing a mixed financial performance. The company achieved an adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.60, slightly surpassing the forecast of $0.58. However, revenue fell short of expectations, coming in at $246.9 million versus the anticipated $248.4 million. DA Davidson maintained a Neutral rating on Columbus McKinnon with a steady price target of $15, noting that the company’s financial results modestly exceeded their projections despite a 5% organic sales drop. Columbus McKinnon also announced its annual guidance for fiscal year 2026, expecting flat to slightly increased sales and adjusted EPS, with a cautious approach due to market headwinds, including tariffs.

The company is focused on strategic acquisitions, such as the pending acquisition of Kito Crosby, expected to close by the end of the calendar year. Columbus McKinnon’s order momentum remained strong, particularly in its Precision Conveyance segment, which saw a 19% increase in orders year-over-year. The company’s guidance does not yet account for the Kito Crosby acquisition, and they anticipate a $0.20-$0.30 EPS headwind in the first half of fiscal 2026 due to tariffs. Despite these challenges, Columbus McKinnon continues to invest in manufacturing capabilities and operational improvements.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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