Key Takeaways
- • Eaton, a Dublin-based power management company, has agreed to acquire Italian electric company COL Group from Oaktree Capital Management for an enterprise value of €810 million ($923 million).
- • The transaction represents Eaton's expansion into the Italian electrical equipment and power distribution market through acquisition of an established regional player.
- • Oaktree Capital Management is divesting its stake in COL Group, signaling a potential exit or portfolio rebalancing by the alternative asset manager.
- • The deal values COL Group at approximately $923 million USD, establishing the acquisition price benchmark for the Italian electrical sector.
Summary
Eaton Corporation, headquartered in Dublin and specializing in power management solutions, announced on September 25, 2026, that it has agreed to purchase COL Group, an Italian electric company, from private equity firm Oaktree Capital Management. The transaction is valued at an enterprise value of €810 million, equivalent to approximately $923 million USD, according to the company announcement.
The acquisition represents a strategic expansion for Eaton into Italy's electrical equipment and power distribution sector. By acquiring COL Group from Oaktree, Eaton gains access to an established Italian market presence and operational capabilities in the European electrical market. The deal structure involves Oaktree Capital Management divesting its controlling stake, marking a liquidity event for the investment firm's portfolio position in the company.
COL Group's operations and market position in Italy make it a meaningful addition to Eaton's portfolio. The €810 million valuation reflects the company's scale and competitive positioning within the Italian electrical sector. The transaction is expected to close subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions typical of transactions of this size and cross-border nature.
The acquisition represents a strategic expansion for Eaton into Italy's electrical equipment and power distribution sector. By acquiring COL Group from Oaktree, Eaton gains access to an established Italian market presence and operational capabilities in the European electrical market. The deal structure involves Oaktree Capital Management divesting its controlling stake, marking a liquidity event for the investment firm's portfolio position in the company.
COL Group's operations and market position in Italy make it a meaningful addition to Eaton's portfolio. The €810 million valuation reflects the company's scale and competitive positioning within the Italian electrical sector. The transaction is expected to close subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions typical of transactions of this size and cross-border nature.
Go deeper than the headline
Research every firm in this story, track the ones that matter and get the daily briefing — free for 7 days.