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02/2021

GENERAL TOOLS & INSTRUMENTS acquired by WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES

UNITED STATES Industrial Equipment / Special Machinery / Instrumentation & Measurement EV 100M - 350M USD

Context

The acquisition of General Tools & Instruments by Worthington Industries represents a significant strategic expansion of the purchaser’s consumer products segment, marking a definitive move to consolidate its leadership in the niche tools and outdoor living markets. Strategically, this acquisition allows Worthington to internalize a proven new product development engine and a portfolio of nearly 100-year-old brands, creating substantial cross-selling opportunities with its existing retail and blue-chip customer base. The rationale for the deal centers on deepening technical expertise in specialized tool categories—such as precision measurement and environmental safety—which offer attractive, high-margin end-markets. From a transaction facts perspective, the deal was funded through existing cash reserves, demonstrating the group's robust liquidity and commitment to value-accretive M&A. The existing management team of the target will remain operational, ensuring the continuity of technical knowledge and the efficient management of its global supply chain.

GENERAL TOOLS & INSTRUMENTS, which reported an EBITDA margin of LOGIN in 2020, is valued in this transaction at an EV/EBITDA multiple of LOGIN, representing a LOGIN to the average currently observed in the Industry & Manufacturing sector (11.6x).

Note that this data is based on contribution from our growing community, composed of M&A and Private Equity professionals, and has been verified by our team to ensure its accuracy.

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Target

General Tools & Instruments Company is a historic American provider of specialized hand tools and precision instruments, maintaining a robust portfolio of over 1,200 feature-rich products. Established in 1922 and headquartered in Secaucus, New Jersey, the firm operates through a collection of well-established brands including General, Garden-Weasel, Pactool International, and Hawkeye. Its business model focuses on niche categories such as environmental health and safety, precision measurement and layout, home repair and remodel, and specialized lawn and garden tools. The company differentiates itself through a proven product development process characterized by high technical agility and rapid speed-to-market, allowing it to maintain long-standing relationships with blue-chip retail and industrial customers.

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Historical Financials (USD)

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REFERENCES

Valuation range: EV 100M - 350M USD

Revenue range: 50M - 100M USD

EBITDA range: 5M - 25M USD

Note: This page provides detailed data on a private equity M&A transaction. Detailed and exact financial metrics for the acquisition of GENERAL TOOLS & INSTRUMENTS by WORTHINGTON INDUSTRIES are reserved for mynth community members. Register for free to unlock full data.

Authors: verified mynth contributor (mynth data is contributed by M&A / PE professionals and systematically cross-verified with private deal documents and official press releases).

Press release: view release

Target: general tools & instruments

Acquirer: worthington industries