Johnson Controls, which is seeking a CEO to succeed George Oliver, continues to acquire technology companies to address customers' building energy management and carbon reduction strategies.
Among the latest moves: Johnson Controls has acquired Webeasy, a Dutch provider of building automation and control systems. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
This is M&A deal number 2 that Sustainable Tech Partner has covered so far in 2025. Related: See all M&A deals involving sustainability, climate tech and green IT services listed here.
The January 2025 acquisition of Webeasy "reinforces Johnson Controls’ commitment to driving innovation, sustainability, and energy efficiency, while expanding its capabilities in the growing market for smart, connected buildings across Europe," the buyer said. "The combined capabilities of Webeasy and Johnson Controls will enable businesses and facility owners to better address the growing demands of European sustainability regulations, reduce energy costs and carbon footprints and drive operational excellence."
Johnson Controls CEO Search, Financial Results
Johnson Controls is expected to announce 1Q 2025 financial results on February 5, 2025. We'll be watching to see if the company announces a new CEO as part of the earnings release.
Johnson Controls announced a CEO succession plan in July 2024, stating that Oliver planned to retire but would remain CEO until a successor arrived. Moreover, Oliver will remain board chair once the new CEO is named to "allow for a smooth management transition," the company said in July 2024.
Oliver has been Johnson Controls' chairman and CEO since 2017. In recent years, he has sharpened the company's focus on smart commercial buildings, data centers, and associated sustainability strategies.
Recent noteworthy moves include:
Overall Business Strategy Ahead of CEO Transition
For a closer look at the overall business strategy, rewind to a December 2023 earnings call with Wall Street analysts. On that call, Oliver explained how the company was betting its business on smart building technologies that align with customers' energy efficiency, sustainability and decarbonization goals.
The strategy leans heavily on artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud computing services that save energy and reduce emissions, while improving the overall building occupant experience, the company has emphasized.
We'll be watching for that CEO successor announcement, and the implications for channel partners.
