Cummins and Eaton announce joint venture

Cummins and power management company Eaton have announced an agreement to form a joint venture for automated transmissions for heavy-duty and medium-duty commercial vehicles. The joint venture will be named Eaton Cummins Automated Transmission Technologies.

According to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Cummins and Eaton will each own 50 percent of the new joint venture. Cummins says it will pay Eaton $600 million for its stake. The formation of the joint venture is subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. Cummins officials expect the transaction to close in the third quarter of this year.

“Customers are focused on powertrain solutions that provide the best combination of technology, performance and quality,” said Craig Arnold, Eaton chairman and chief executive officer. “Our joint venture with Cummins will leverage the technical strengths and experience of two industry leaders with long histories and deep industry expertise to provide superior automated transmission technology for our global customers.”

“Our growth strategy includes expanding our product offerings and extending our global footprint by becoming the world’s leading powertrain supplier,” said Tom Linebarger, chairman and CEO, Cummins Inc. “Our JV with Eaton will deliver the most advanced automated transmissions and develop an integrated powertrain and service network that supports our customers like never before. Just as we’ve done for the past 100 years, we will use our experience in partnerships and technological expertise to ensure our customers’ success.”