Brossard, Quebec – Distech Controls Inc. an innovation leader in building automation and energy management solutions based out of Quebec, Canada, today announced it has entered into an agreement to be acquired by Acuity Brands, Inc. (NYSE: AYI), a leading provider of intelligent lighting solutions. Distech Controls’ building automation and energy management solutions combined with Acuity Brands’ broad, industry-leading solid-state lighting portfolio, innovative control technologies and integrated digital solutions will create the opportunity to offer solutions that can provide true end-to-end optimization of all aspects of the building for enhanced occupant experience, quality visual environment, seamless operation, energy efficiency, operational cost reductions, and increased digital functionality.

Distech Controls will continue to employ its 190 team members worldwide, led by current executives, including Founder, President and CEO Etienne Veilleux. The company will maintain its head office in Quebec, Canada, as well as its European office in Lyon, France, and continue to execute its global growth strategy. It will become part of the Acuity Brands portfolio of businesses, continuing to operate as a separate entity, with management teams jointly developing future growth strategies.

The manner in which buildings are utilized and operated is evolving.  The deployment of intelligent digital networks provides the opportunity to create an indoor environment that increases productivity, improves operational efficiency and enhances safety.  The technologies resident in lighting, temperature, ventilation, access control and fire safety systems are converging into a single digital ecosystem.  This convergence provides a singular opportunity to couple the building management portfolio of Distech Controls with the smart lighting and control systems of Acuity Brands to deliver fully integrated digital solutions that are unmatched in their ability to efficiently deliver both lighting and a quality indoor environment.

“Since its inception, Distech Controls has consistently led the way in delivering innovative products and solutions that enable improved energy efficiency,” said Étienne Veilleux, President and CEO of Distech Controls. “For 20 years, the success of Distech Controls has been based on the skills and innovative spirit of the people here. Together, we will continue to grow by furthering our local investment, creating more jobs here in Quebec and abroad, while preserving our unique ability to innovate. Joining Acuity Brands will open new doors for us, and we are truly excited about the opportunities this provides to our employees, customers and partners.”

Vernon J. Nagel, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Acuity Brands said “We believe the combination of our dynamic businesses and strong leadership teams will provide growth opportunities with key customer sets, and will strengthen each of our primary sales channel partners in their respective markets. Acuity and Distech Controls combined offers the opportunity to deliver comprehensive solutions that fulfill the promise of intelligent buildings.”.

About Acuity Brands

Acuity Brands, Inc. is a North American market leader and one of the world's leading providers of lighting solutions for both indoor and outdoor applications. With fiscal year 2014 net sales of $2.4 billion, Acuity Brands employs approximately 7,000 associates and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia with operations throughout North America, and in Europe and Asia. The Company’s lighting solutions are sold under various brands, including Lithonia Lighting®, Holophane®, Peerless®, Gotham®, Mark Architectural Lighting™, Winona® Lighting, Healthcare Lighting®, Hydrel®, American Electric Lighting®, Carandini®, Antique Street Lamps™, Sunoptics®,  RELOC® Wiring Solutions, Acculamp®, eldoLED® and Acuity Controls.

About Distech Controls

An innovation leader in energy management solutions, Distech Controls provides unique building management technologies and services that optimize energy efficiency and comfort in buildings, all the while reducing operating costs.  We deliver innovative solutions for greener buildings through our passion for innovation, quality, customer satisfaction, and sustainability.  Distech Controls serves multiple market segments through its worldwide business divisions, service offices and a superior network of Authorized Partners. www.distech-controls.com