Acuity Brands Acquires Pathway Connectivity, Inc.

Acuity Brands, a maker of energy-efficient lighting, control and daylighting solutions, has acquired for cash Pathway Connectivity, Inc., the manufacturer of networked data communications and interface equipment for architectural and entertainment lighting control applications. Established in 1985 and based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Pathway designs and manufactures electronics that enable lighting control systems to communicate with intelligent lighting fixtures and power devices, even when those products utilize different communications protocols. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed and the acquisition is not expected to materially impact Acuity Brands future consolidated financial results, the company says.

"The technology and products of Pathway enable lighting solutions that are rapidly encompassing sophisticated lighting networks," said Vernon J. Nagel, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Acuity Brands. "The Pathway team brings advanced networking products and engineering capabilities to Acuity Brands that fits into our strategy of expanding the opportunities associated with integrating lighting and controls solutions. We welcome this talented team to the Acuity Brands family."

"For over 25 years, we have stretched the realm of the possible, integrating disparate lighting and controls systems for demanding theatrical and "architainment" customers," said Dave Higgins, Pathway's founder, president, and chief executive officer. "We are excited to join an industry leader and begin integrating our skills and intellectual property in order to expand the market opportunity as part of Acuity Brands."

Pathway will make its debut as part of Acuity Brands at the LDI2011 Trade Show and Conference at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, October 28-30, 2011, Booth #1257.

Acuity Brands, Inc. concluded fiscal year 2010 with net sales of over $1.6 billion. The company's lighting and system control product lines include Lithonia Lighting, Holophane, Peerless, Mark Architectural Lighting, Hydrel, American Electric Lighting, Gotham, Carandini, RELOC, Antique Street Lamps, Tersen, Winona Lighting, Synergy Lighting Controls, Sensor Switch, Lighting Control & Design, Dark to Light, ROAM, Sunoptics, acculamp and Healthcare Lighting. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Acuity Brands employs approximately 6,000 associates and has operations throughout North America, Europe and Asia.