Chinese home appliance maker Haier Group has reached a deal to buy General Electric Co.'s applia
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2016-01-19 12:00:10
Chinese home appliance maker Haier Group hasreached a deal to buy General Electric Co.'s appliancebusiness for 5.4 billion dollars.
The acquisition, announced in a statement Friday,comes as Haier — the world's biggest home appliancemaker — tries to transform itself into a premiumbrand. GE Chairman and CEO Jeff Immelt said Haier"is committed to growing the business globally."
"GE Appliances is performing well and there was significant interest from potential buyers,helping drive a good deal which will benefit our investors, customers and employees," headded.
GE is shifting emphasis from traditional businesses such as appliances to higher-technologyareas such as medical equipment and clean energy. The two companies also agreed to form astrategic partnership to cooperate in areas such as the Internet, healthcare and advancedmanufacturing.
GE Appliances will remain headquartered in Louisville, Ky., a statement from the firm said. GEAppliances reported $5.9 billion in 2014 revenue and has 12,000 employees, 96% of them inthe United States.
Zhang Ruimin, chairman and CEO of Haier Group, said the two companies share the samevision, adding that Haier is "committed to investing in the U.S."
"This transaction underscores Haier's devotion to creating a global platform for innovation,which will benefit both Haier and GE Appliances and deliver enhanced value to all stakeholders,"he said
GE announced plans earlier to sell the appliance business to Sweden's Electrolux for 3.3 billiondollars. They called that off in December after opposition from American anti-trust regulators.