FARMINGTON, Conn. — Carrier Corp. announced that a definitive agreement has been executed to add Carrier’s HVAC distribution operations in Mexico to its existing joint venture with Watsco Inc. Watsco owns 60 percent of the joint venture and Carrier owns 40 percent.

Carrier and Watsco have existing joint venture entities operating generally as Carrier Enterprise, in the United States and selected territories in the Caribbean and Latin America. The HVAC distribution operations in Mexico will add revenues of approximately $80 million, with 90 employees and six locations.

“Performance by Carrier Enterprise has exceeded our expectations with sales growth outpacing the industry,” said Geraud Darnis, president of Carrier Corp. “The expansion into Mexico will build on this success to further grow share and profitability while delivering exceptional customer service.”

Albert Nahmad, Watsco’s chairman and CEO, stated, “We are most pleased to expand our joint venture with Carrier to this most important market in North America. With a population of 112 million and the 11th largest economy in the world, the addition of Mexico represents a substantial and important growth opportunity for us. The strong brand equity of Carrier in Mexico and the seasoned leadership team already in place, coupled with our commitment to increase the market footprint and add additional nonequipment products, will expand the market share and lead to substantial growth.”

Publication date: 09/05/2011