December 6, 2023

5 Big Questions: Legrand | Tom Lowery

How is Legrand faring in 2023? How does Wattstopper's parent perceive the evolving controls market? Will there be more lighting acquisitions?

Tom Lowery, President of the Lighting and Building Controls System Division at Legrand, provided insights into the company's strategy and performance in the lighting sector.

Unlike other large electrical companies such as Hubbell, Eaton, and Schneider Electric, which have seen a cycle of investment and divestment in lighting divisions, Legrand has maintained its steady investments in the lighting sector with an approach that has been characterized by fostering a culture of autonomy that deeply understands and caters to the unique requirements of lighting stakeholders.

With a notable increase in liquid assets—from €2.4 billion at the end of 2022 to €3.2 billion as of September 30, 2023—Legrand appears well-positioned for strategic investments, including further potential acquisitions, so we ask Lowery about M&A possibility.

Legrand Lighting Brands controls wattstopper finelite focal point kenall ocl pinnacle.jpeg

Above: Some key acquisitions of lighting and controls brands have enhanced Legrand's brand portiolio

Hear it Straight from Tom Lowery, President, Lighting & Building Controls Systems Division at Legrand

How was 2023 for Legrand’s lighting brands and Building Control Systems (BCS) group? (0:57)
In recent years, other electrical companies such as Hubbell, Eaton, and Schneider Electric have entered and exited lighting divisions. What distinguishes Legrand's approach, and how does it cultivate a culture focused on the unique needs of lighting customers? (2:20)
Where does Legrand envision the future of the lighting controls market, and how does it plan to adapt to what appears to be a rapidly evolving control space? (4:00)
Controls brand, Encelium, was a 2022 acquisition, but the lighting group hasn't seen an acquisition since the significant purchase of Focal Point nearly four years ago. What is Legrand’s appetite for seeking out new acquisition targets in the lighting and controls space? (5:56)
How does Legrand's strategy of letting its brands operate independently prove effective in practice? (7:15)
BONUS QUESTION: How do the limited choices of available agents affect the autonomous lighting brand strategy? (9:30)