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INDUSTRY NEWS Deere to sell majority interest in landscapes business Deere & Company announced Oct. 28 that it has agreed to sell a majority interest in its landscapes business to the private equity investment firm of Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, LLC. John Deere Landscapes has been included in Deere's agriculture and turf segment. As a result of the transaction, Deere will receive approximately $300 million in cash and will initially retain a 40percent equity interest in the business. "This partial sale allows Deere an opportunity to remain as part of a successful landscapes distribution business," said James Field, president of Deere's Worldwide Agriculture & Turf Division. "At the same time, Deere will continue to increase its own strategic focus on the global growth businesses in agriculture Carlisle to sell Carlisle Transportation Products Carlisle Companies Incorporated announced on Oct. 21 the signing of a definitive agreement to sell Carlisle Transportation Products (CTP) to American Industrial Partners of New York, N.Y., for cash at an enterprise value of $375 million. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory clearances, and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2014. With 2012 sales of $778 million, CTP manufactures and distributes bias-ply and radial tires, stamped and roll-formed steel wheels and tire and wheel assemblies to non-automotive customers, and power transmission belts and related components to industrial customers globally. Carlisle announced on July 23, 2013, that it recorded a non-cash pre-tax loss of $100 million at CTP for goodwill impairment during the second quarter and engaged SunTrust Robinson Humphrey as a financial advisor to assist in evaluating strategic alternatives for CTP. "While we believe the significant restructuring of CTP in recent years has stabilized the business and provided a foundation for a favorable outlook, the business is not core to Carlisle's growth strategy nor supportive of our long-term operating profit goals and expectations," said David A. Roberts, Carlisle's chairman, president and CEO. "The sale of CTP is a major step in furtherance of Carlisle's initiatives to focus on and invest in higher-margin, fastergrowing businesses. I want to thank the customers of CTP for their loyalty. As importantly, I also want to thank the employees of CTP for their dedication and hard work over the years to make CTP a worldclass industrial business." 10 OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT and construction and the complementary businesses in turf and forestry." Deere formed the landscapes business in 2001 when it purchased and merged two companies that sold wholesale landscape supplies and irrigation products. Two other acquisitions were later added, and now John Deere Landscapes is one of the largest U.S. wholesale suppliers of turf and ornamental agronomics, irrigation, outdoor lighting, nursery and landscape materials. Field said Deere recognized CD&R's broad experience and successful record in distribution businesses and the firm's longevity and experience in private equity. John Deere Landscapes has more than 2,000 employees at approximately 400 locations in 41 states. ARI announces acquisition ARI Network Services — a leading provider of website, software and data solutions that help dealers, distributors and manufacturers "Sell More Stuff!" — announced Nov. 5 that it acquired Duo Web Solutions, the leading provider of social media and online marketing services for the powersports industry. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. "This acquisition is in direct alignment with our strategy to grow the digital marketing services side of the business," said Roy W. Olivier, president and CEO of ARI."Duo Web Solutions' proven social media services, including reputation management and SEM services, will now be available to dealers, distributors and manufacturers Roy W Olivier . in all the verticals we serve. Together, we can deliver integrated digital marketing services designed to drive traffic online and in-store to grow our customers' businesses." Heather Blessington, CEO of Duo Web Solutions, will join the ARI management team as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). In her role as CMO, Blessington will be responsible for corporate brand strategy, marketing communications, and facilitating revenue growth through sales and marketing initiatives. "We are very pleased to have Heather join ARI's executive team," added Olivier."She brings over 20 years of digital marketing experience with a track record of success delivering online marketing strategies to leading dealers, Heather Blessington distributors and manufacturers. Her passion and dedication to helping dealers grow their businesses is well established, and we're confident she will have a significant impact on ARI's continued success." "I am very proud to join the ARI team and to be a part of a rapidly growing, innovative company that recognizes the power of digital and social media marketing," said Blessington. "My goal is to continually work with ARI's team to enhance our value proposition for all customers. I look forward to launching ARI's expanded services in the digital marketing space." www.outdoorpowerequipment.com