Eaton Buys COL Group to Add More Power Distribution Capacity in Europe

Eaton is adding more manufacturing capacity to its European power distribution business as data centers and utilities demand more medium-voltage infrastructure. The company has agreed to acquire Italy-based COL Group from Oaktree’s Power Opportunities strategy for an enterprise value of €810 million. The deal will bring COL Group’s manufacturing footprint, engineering capabilities and medium-voltage technologies into Eaton’s portfolio.

COL Group makes medium-voltage electrical distribution equipment, including SF₆-free switchgear, grid automation technologies and modular power systems. 

Data centers are putting more pressure on electrical infrastructure, while utilities are also upgrading networks to handle electrification and more distributed power demand. 

For Eaton, adding production capacity in Europe gives it another way to respond to that demand instead of relying only on existing manufacturing operations.

The SF₆-free switchgear portfolio is also relevant as the industry moves away from the use of sulfur hexafluoride, a potent greenhouse gas, in electrical equipment. Eaton has already been developing alternatives to SF₆-based switchgear, making COL Group’s technology a natural addition to its medium-voltage business.