Middleby Acquires Chinese Induction-Equipment Maker

The Middleby Corp. has expanded globally again, acquiring the assets of Induc Commercial Electronics, a Qingdoa, China, manufacturer of commercial induction-cooking equipment. Induc, an established brand in China with a growing presence in other Asian countries, has annual revenues of approximately US$10 million.

Middleby Chairman/CEO Selim Bassoul cited Induc’s broad line of induction products, marketed under “ECO Kitchen,” as a key addition to the Middleby platform. “Induction equipment continues to be increasing in demand as our restaurant customers recognize the benefits of energy efficiency, speed of cooking, safety and precise temperature control. This acquisition is highly synergistic with CookTek, our existing induction brand, and further strengthens the Middleby leadership position in induction cooking.”

Middleby, based in Elgin, Ill., has more than 40 brands of commercial foodservice equipment.