Legrand acquires CRS to boost ANZ data centre presence

Legrand has announced the acquisition of Computer Room Solutions (CRS), a company specialising in data centre infrastructure.

CRS has been in operation for nearly 20 years and is a significant player in the design, development, and commissioning of data centre infrastructure. In the financial year 2024, CRS reported almost AUD $50 million in sales, providing a range of solutions and services, such as structural ceilings, hot and cold aisle containment, mechanical walls, security caging, and server racks and cabinets. These offerings complement Legrand's existing data centre portfolio and expand the range of solutions available to the Group.

Headquartered in Mascot, Sydney, CRS also maintains manufacturing facilities in Melbourne. The company employs close to 80 people and its local design and manufacturing capacities deliver substantial efficiencies for customers in Australia, New Zealand, and further afield in Southeast Asia and India.

The acquisition of CRS reflects Legrand's ambitions in the data centre vertical, which currently contributes 20% of the Group's proforma revenue. This is Legrand's third acquisition in the data centre sector within Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), following the acquisitions of Mechanical Support Systems (MSS) and VASS.

Palash Nandy, Managing Director & CEO of Legrand ANZ, stated, "The acquisition of Computer Room Solutions highlights our steadfast commitment to the ANZ market and our development model in terms of targeted acquisitions that align with our core business segments, including data centres. Legrand is looking forward to working with CRS, with the relationship seeing a new suite of solutions being injected into our already robust data centre portfolio for our customers.

"CRS' white space offerings and local manufacturing capabilities complement Legrand's portfolio, while demonstrating our confidence in the market's future development opportunities," he continued.

This acquisition is part of a larger growth strategy by Legrand, marking its fourth local acquisition in 18 months. The purchase of CRS is seen as a strategic move to bolster Legrand's presence and offerings in the data centre market, particularly within the ANZ region.

CRS's partnership with Legrand is viewed as a logical step toward enhancing its data centre initiatives and expanding its market presence. The collaboration is expected to leverage strong relationships and shared commitments to innovation and local manufacturing, offering benefits to both companies. It is anticipated that this will also provide Australian and Asia-Pacific customers with reliable regional solutions and quicker turnaround times.