Issue: 7/05

Bradford White has signed a definitive agreement to purchase Laars Heating Systems from Water Pik Technologies for $24.3 million. Laars Heating Systems will continue to operate under that name and will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Bradford White.

The transaction was expected to be completed on June 30, and includes a manufacturing facility in Rochester, NH, and a distribution center in Oakville, ON, Canada. Bradford White also will open a new Laars sales office and distribution center in the Simi Valley area of California.

"The acquisition is one in a series of focused moves we have made in recent years to continue growth and expand our appeal to the plumbing and HVAC industry,"