The business known as Emerson Network Power will now be called Vertiv and will be under the leadership of new CEO Rob Johnson. The news follows the enterprise’s sale to Platinum Equity in a transaction valued at over USD 4 billion.
“It’s a fresh start for a business that already has so much going for it. I look forward to working with my new colleagues at Vertiv as we begin this transformational chapter in the company’s history,” said Johnson. “As an independent company, Vertiv will operate with great freedom to make business strategy and investment decisions, move more quickly like a startup, and focus on innovative solutions for our customers, including those in the growing cloud computing, mobile, and IoT networks.”
Johnson’s most recent venture was being an operating partner at Kleiner Perkins Caufield and Byers. He also spent 10 years at American Power Conversion, rising to the rank of President and CEO during his tenure there. While at APC, he also served as general manager of the company’s availability enhancement group.
Vertiv will build on the broad portfolio of product and service offerings for power, thermal, and IT management capabilities it previously offered as Emerson Network Power, including its industry-leading flagship brands ASCO, Chloride, Liebert, NetSure, and Trellis.
Platinum Equity partner Jacob Kotzubei said that Platinum Equity’s M&A and operational resources, and the firm’s strong relationship with Emerson, will benefit Vertiv in the short and long term.
“We will support Vertiv’s growth and product innovation every step of the way, both organically and through prospective add-on acquisitions,” commented Kotzubei. “This is our second partnership with Emerson and we have had great success together. We look forward to a seamless transition and an exciting future for Vertiv and the customers it serves.”
In support of its rebranding as Vertiv, the company has unveiled its new website at www.vertivco.com and starting in January 2017, will launch an advertising campaign to introduce its new brand with the theme “Your Mission is Critical.” The campaign will run in major business and technology industry print and online media, such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Fast Company, Wired, TechCrunch, and IDG Tech Network.