A. O. Smith Corp. announced it completed the purchase of Ohio-based William R. Hague Inc. (known as Hague Quality Water International) for $44.5 million in cash.

The Milwaukee-based water technology company said the acquisition also has the potential to earn up to $2 million in additional revenue growth over the next two years.

Family-owned Hague based in Groveport, Ohio, manufactures a comprehensive line of water softener products. The Hague water softener features a multi-compartment, compact tank design and is sold through both retailer and water quality dealer channels under the Hague, WaterBoss and WaterMax brands.

“The acquisition of Hague squarely fits within our stated strategy to grow our global water treatment platform,” said Ajita G. Rajendra, chairman and CEO. “The Hague brand has a very good, long-standing reputation for innovative and quality products.”

For the 12 months ended June 30, 2017, Hague, which employs approximately 100 employees, recorded sales of approximately $28 million, including approximately $3 million of sales to A. O. Smith.

An A.O. Smith press release noted three benefits to A.O. Smith in the transaction:

• The patented water softener products from Hague complete A.O. Smith's residential water treatment capabilities and product offering.
• Hague’s high-efficiency compact units are well suited for the Chinese market in which A.O. Smith wants to expand sales. It started selling Hague water softeners there this year.
• Hague's established dealer network expands A.O. Smith’s distribution channel in the United States and abroad.

Bob Hague, president and chief executive officer of Hague, noted: “We’re happy that our family-owned business is finding a home in a company with a long-standing history of integrity, innovation and customer satisfaction.  We look forward to the growth opportunities A. O. Smith will provide to both our employees and our customers.”

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