Hilti buys U.S.-based diamond blade and bit manufacturer

Media Release
Hilti buys U.S.-based diamond blade and bit manufacturer
Schaan (FL), July 2, 2009 – The Hilti Corporation is entering the North American
professional diamond service contractor market with the purchase of U.S.-based
Diamond B, Inc. on June 30.
This move allows Hilti to enhance its global position as the choice provider of
equipment and consumables for the professional diamond service contractor.
A 25-year-old company based near Los Angeles, Calif., Diamond B is a top-tier
diamond consumables manufacturer and one of the best known brands for this
segment in the United States. The strategic acquisition combines the excellent
consumable products of Diamond B with Hilti’s innovative equipment. Diamond B’s
experienced sales force accelerates Hilti’s entry into the North American diamond
service contractor market through an established customer base. Diamond B posted
annual sales of $10.8 million (USD) in 2008. Both companies agreed not to disclose
the purchase price.
The former owner and president of Diamond B, Webb Burnett, will retire from the
business once the transition is complete. Long-time Hilti employee Andrew Hunt,
previously the head of Hilti’s Singapore market organization, will manage the new
subsidiary.
Floor and wall saw blades for the North American market will be manufactured at the
U.S.-based production facility. Drilling and sawing equipment will be manufactured in
Liechtenstein and further strengthen the position and capacity use of production there.
“The current economic situation not only represents a challenge to companies, it also
opens new opportunities,” said Marco Meyrat, the Hilti Executive Board Member
responsible for worldwide marketing and sales. “With this acquisition, Hilti is
strengthening the long-term growth of the entire company. In Diamond B we are
gaining one of the best and most professional U.S.-based diamond consumables
Hilti Corporation
Corporate Communications
9494 Schaan
Liechtenstein
1 I 3 Feldkircherstrasse 100 I Postfach 333
T +423-234 3884 I F +423-234 7884
E media@hilti.com I www.hilti.com

manufacturers and direct sales force. The many years of experience of both companies
in this area will contribute to successfully developing the potential market in North
America.”
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Hilti supplies the worldwide construction industry with technologically leading products, systems
and services that provide construction professionals with innovative solutions and superior
added value. The Group employs approximately 20,000 persons in over 120 countries who
passionately create enthusiastic customers and build a better future. Hilti generated annual
sales of CHF 4.7 billion in 2008. Hilti’s corporate culture is based on integrity, teamwork,
commitment and the courage to embrace change. The headquarters of the Hilti Group are
located in Schaan, Principality of Liechtenstein.
Hilti Corporation
Corporate Communications
9494 Schaan
Liechtenstein
2 I 3 Feldkircherstrasse 100 I Postfach 333
T +423-234 3884 I F +423-234 7884
E media@hilti.com I www.hilti.com