FARMINGTON, Conn. - Carrier Corp. has completed the formation of a distribution joint venture, combining its company-operated residential and light commercial distribution in California with Russell Sigler Inc., an independent distributor of Carrier, Bryant, and Payne HVAC products. Russell Sigler shareholders own 60 percent of the venture and Carrier 40 percent. Russell Sigler has been an independent Carrier distributor since 1950.

“Russell Sigler Inc. has been a loyal, high-performing Carrier distributor for 59 years. This venture presents an excellent opportunity to leverage the strengths of Russell Sigler for our California distribution to further grow share and profitability,” said Geraud Darnis, president of Carrier Corp. “This transaction marks another step on our business transformation journey to a simpler and more focused portfolio.”

The new venture, with pro-forma sales of approximately $360 million and 35 facilities, would include Carrier-operated residential and light commercial distribution in California and Russell Sigler distribution in nine Western states that currently distribute Carrier, Bryant, and Payne HVAC products.

“We are excited about forming this venture and are very pleased to partner with Carrier to further grow this business,” said Jack Sigler, president of Russell Sigler Inc. “Combining the two contiguous distribution entities will help us simplify the business and create significant value for our customers.”

For more information, visit www.carrier.com.

Publication date: 05/10/2010