Steelcase Inc. today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Smith System Manufacturing Company, a Texas-based manufacturer of high quality furniture for the preK-12 education market designed to inspire better learning and improve outcomes for students.
The acquisition is expected to advance Steelcase’s growth strategy to offer a broad range of innovative solutions to customers in the education, healthcare, and office markets.
According to filings with federal securities regulators, Steelcase plans to acquire all the outstanding capital stock of Smith System for about $145 million, with an adjustment for working capital.
Smith System generated roughly $82 million in revenue over the past 12 months, expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 25 percent, according to the filing. The company will continue to operate as an independent subsidiary with its own brand.
Steelcase said it would fund the transaction with cash on hand and debt through its existing credit facility.
In a filing, Steelcase said the deal, which is expected to close in the second quarter of its current 2019 fiscal year, will be “modestly accretive” to current fiscal year earnings and “more significantly thereafter.”
“As education markets continue to grow, the combination of Steelcase and Smith System will create incredible value for our customers,” said Allan Smith, Vice President of Global Marketing at Steelcase. “Together, we can help schools create outstanding learning environments where students thrive, such as collaboration spaces, makerspaces and tech labs.”
Smith noted that Steelcase sees the opportunity to double Smith System’s business within five years by expanding sales in North America through the Steelcase dealer network, as well as bringing Smith System’s products to corporate customers and global markets.
Founded in 1905, Smith System makes educational environments more healthy, comfortable and inspiring for students and educators. Smith System will operate as an independent subsidiary under its own brand, and will continue to support its strong network of existing dealers as well as extending its reach through authorized Steelcase dealers.
“We believe that joining forces with Steelcase offers us a path to accelerate long-term growth, while maintaining the agility that has made us successful,” said Molly Parnell, Vice President of Sales at Smith System. “Steelcase and Smith System have complementary offerings and we look forward to growing our business together in preK-12, higher education, and corporate learning environments around the globe.”