Johnson Controls, Inc. announced it has reached a definitive agreement for the sale of its Global WorkPlace Solutions (GWS) business to CBRE Group, Inc., for $1.475 billion. The company announced its intentions to divest the GWS business in September 2014 as part of its strategy to invest in product businesses that are core to its multi-industrial portfolio and growth objectives.
The agreement includes a 10-year strategic relationship between the two companies. Johnson Controls will be the preferred provider of HVAC equipment, building automation systems and related services to the 5 billion sq. ft. portfolio of real estate and corporate facilities managed globally by CBRE and GWS. The agreement provides Johnson Controls with new channels for its offerings and when fully operational is expected to generate up to $500 million of annual incremental revenue for the Johnson Controls Building Efficiency business.
“This agreement with CBRE is a great step for both companies that will allow each of us to build upon our core strengths to create new sources of value for our customers. GWS is a natural fit with CBRE’s offerings, and together they will strategically take the business forward,” said Alex Molinaroli, chairman and CEO, Johnson Controls. “In addition, the new strategic partnership provides another new, strong channel for Johnson Controls to serve CBRE and its clients around the world with our full portfolio of buildings technologies and services.”
In connection with the agreement, CBRE will also provide Johnson Controls with a full suite of integrated corporate real estate services (including facilities management, project management and transaction services) on more than 50 million sq. ft. of Johnson Controls properties.
“The exceptionally talented GWS team will greatly enhance our service offering for occupiers around the world,” said Bob Sulentic, president and chief executive officer of CBRE. “With GWS, we further our ability to create advantages for occupier clients by aligning every aspect of how they lease, own, use and operate real estate to enhance their competitive position.”
In addition, the companies will jointly provide $40 million over 10 years to fund an innovation lab that will develop leading-edge energy management solutions to lower costs and enhance their clients’ work environments. The joint innovation lab will evaluate, connect and leverage products, services and energy data to create value for occupiers and investors of real estate.
“This agreement is much more than a transaction,” said Molinaroli. “It reflects our commitment to grow our buildings business, and is a long-term arrangement with significant mutual value and a strategic partnership that will drive sustainable growth for both companies.”
Johnson Controls noted that it had recently completed the sale of its interests in two GWS-related joint ventures to Brookfield Asset Management, Inc. Including the joint venture transactions, aggregate proceeds from the GWS business divestitures are $1.675 billion.
Johnson Controls said it will treat GWS as a discontinued operation in the second quarter of fiscal 2015. The transaction is expected to close near the end of its 2015 fiscal year and is subject to regulatory clearance. BofA Merrill Lynch acted as the financial advisor to Johnson Controls, with Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz serving as legal advisor.
