U.S. investors are taking a look at the old continent. With the dollar lower than the Euro, for the first time in history, the eyes of investors must be extended to propose an entry over a period of up to ten years. In addition, as tension is likely to continue in the Middle East, it is expected that they will not affect markets very noticeably over the next decade. There may be restructuring in Europe in the coming years (for example the adjustment in pensions in France), but the short-term changes are the gains of the long term. Europe itself is affluent and its population has great purchasing power and what's more, Eastern Europe and Russia represent a giant long-term market for material goods.
The only problem is that U.S. companies could find change and adjustment to a new geography; however, the best way to overcome that inconvenience is to buy existing companies.
Distech Controls thinks so, and has acquired the majority of the shares of Amsterdam-based SystemHouse BV to form Distech Controls Europe BV. SystemHouse is a recognized distributor of building automation solutions in the Netherlands and has begun to expand its sales in other European countries, the synergy created by Distech Controls Europe, will allow this company to appropriate the distribution channels and market knowledge to strengthen its position in European countries.
