
Cooper Industries was founded in 1833, making it a company with a rich history.
The company was initially called the Cooper Hewitt Company and was a leading manufacturer of electrical equipment.
Cooper Industries was acquired by Eaton Corporation in 2012, marking a significant milestone in its history.
Today, Cooper Industries is a subsidiary of Eaton Corporation, continuing to provide electrical equipment and solutions to customers around the world.
Expand your knowledge: Eaton Vance Income Fund
History of Cooper Industries
Cooper Industries was founded in 1833 by brothers Charles and Elias Cooper in Mt. Vernon, Ohio. They started a foundry that initially produced plows, hog troughs, kettles, and stoves.
The company's product offerings shifted over time, with a focus on steam engines by the mid-nineteenth century. As the use of steam power declined, Cooper again changed its focus to gas engine technology.
Cooper-Bessemer played a significant role in the U.S. World War II effort, supplying engine components that powered almost all of the Navy's minesweeper fleet and the famous Liberty Ships. After the war, the company expanded into electrical products, electrical power equipment, automotive products, tools, and hardware.
Here's a brief timeline of key events in Cooper Industries' history:
- 1833: Brothers Charles and Elias Cooper build a foundry in Mount Vernon, Ohio.
- 1852: Cooper ships its first steam-powered compressors for blast furnaces by railway.
- 1869: The firm becomes the first Western company to produce the Corliss engine.
Chronology
Cooper Industries was founded in 1833 by brothers Charles and Elias Cooper, who built a foundry in Mount Vernon, Ohio.
The company's early product offerings included plows, hog troughs, kettles, and stoves. By the mid-nineteenth century, the company was concentrating on steam engines.
In 1852, Cooper shipped its first steam-powered compressors for blast furnaces by railway. This marked a significant milestone in the company's growth.
The firm became the first Western company to produce the Corliss engine in 1869.
Here's a key timeline of Cooper Industries' history:
- 1833: Brothers Charles and Elias Cooper build a foundry in Mount Vernon, Ohio.
- 1852: Cooper ships its first steam-powered compressors for blast furnaces by railway.
- 1869: The firm becomes the first Western company to produce the Corliss engine.
- 1908: Coopers begins a gradual shift from Corliss to natural gas internal-combustion engines.
- 1929: The company merges with the Bessemer Gas Engine Company, forming the Cooper-Bessemer Corp.
- 1944: The firm lists on the New York Stock Exchange.
- 1945: Cooper-Bessemer opens its first international sales branch in Caracas, Venezuela.
- 1951: Sales reach a record $52 million.
- 1960: The company introduces the world's first industrial jet-powered gas turbine.
- 1965: The firm changes its name to Cooper Industries.
- 1970: Cooper branches out into aircraft services with the acquisition of Dallas Airmotive.
- 1976: The White Superior Engine division of the White Motor Company is purchased.
- 1979: Cooper acquires the Gardner-Denver Company; sales reach $1 billion.
- 1981: The firm continues expansion efforts and purchases Crouse-Hinds Company, an electrical products manufacturer, and Belden Corporation, a wire and cable manufacturer.
- 1985: Cooper merges with McGraw-Edison Co. in a deal that nearly doubles its size and makes it one of the world's largest lighting manufacturers.
- 1989: The company acquires Champion Spark Plug Co. and Cameron Iron Works.
- 1992: Cooper purchases Ferramentas Belzer do Brasil, a Brazilian-based handtool maker.
- 1995: H. John Riley Jr. is named CEO; the firm spins off its petroleum and industrial equipment business.
- 1997: Cooper completes eight acquisitions throughout the year.
- 1998: The firm sells its automotive business to Federal-Mogul Corp. for $1.9 billion.
- 1999: The company--after years of strategic restructuring--operates with two key business segments: Electrical Products and Tools & Hardware.
- 2000: Cooper acquires Eagle Electric Manufacturing and B-Line Systems.
- 2001: The company rejects an unsolicited acquisition bid by rival Danaher Corp.
Ceos
Cooper Industries has had a long line of CEOs throughout its history, with some notable figures leading the company for extended periods. Charles Cooper was the first CEO, serving from the company's incorporation in 1895 until his death in 1901.
The list of CEOs is quite extensive, but here are some of the key players:
- Charles Cooper (1833-1895)
- Frank L. Fairchild (1895-1912)
- Charles Gray "C.G." Cooper (1912-1919)
- Desault B. Kirk (1919-1920)
- Beatty B. Williams (1920-1940 and 1941-1943)
- Charles B. Jahnke (1940-1941)
- Gordon Lefebvre (1943-1955)
- Lawrence F. Williams (1955-1957)
- Eugene L. Miller (1957-1975)
- Robert Cizik (1975-1995)
- H. John Riley Jr. (1995-2005)
- Kirk S. Hachigian (2005-2012)
Beatty B. Williams had a particularly long tenure, serving as CEO from 1920 to 1940 and again from 1941 to 1943, with a stint as chairman from 1940 to 1956.
Business Divisions
Cooper Industries was acquired by Eaton Corporation in 2012, marking a significant change for the company.
The divisions of Cooper Industries are undergoing name changes as a result of the acquisition.
Eaton's Cooper Safety Business specializes in notification, alarm, and safety systems, including emergency lighting, fire detection, and alarm systems.
Cooper notification acquired Wheelock Inc. in 2006, expanding its capabilities in this area.
Eaton's Cooper Wiring Devices Business works closely with Eaton's Cooper Lighting Business, and has acquired well-known brands like Eagle Electric and Arrow Hart.
If this caught your attention, see: Instant Payment Notification
Eaton's Wiring Devices
Eaton's Wiring Devices Business is a key player in the industry, working closely with Eaton's Cooper Lighting Business. The company has acquired several well-known brands, including Eagle Electric, Arrow Hart, and RhinoBox.
Their product range is quite diverse, including cable assemblies, data connectors for military, home, and commercial use, lighting switches, outlets, receptacles, and subsea wiring and communications ports.
Eaton's Cooper Wiring Devices Business has a strong focus on innovation, developing products that meet the needs of various industries and applications.
Here's an interesting read: Eaton Vance

Some of their notable acquisitions include Aspire, Aspire RF, and MediaSync, which have expanded their product offerings and capabilities.
Their products are designed to be reliable and efficient, making them a popular choice among customers.
Here are some of the key product categories offered by Eaton's Cooper Wiring Devices Business:
- Cable assemblies
- Data connectors
- Lighting switches
- Outlets
- Receptacles
- Subsea wiring
- Communications ports
Eaton's Power Systems
Eaton's Power Systems is a global manufacturer of power delivery apparatus for utility, commercial, and industrial markets.
The company provides products and services that transform, protect, connect, and build out an electric power system backbone.
Their reliability and grid-point solutions include Integrated Volt/Var Control (IVVC), feeder, and substation automation systems.
These systems are designed to optimize power delivery and reduce grid stress.
Eaton's Power Systems also offers endpoint solutions like Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and Demand Response (DR).
These solutions help utilities manage energy consumption and reduce peak demand.
The company provides engineering optimization and modeling tools to help customers design and build efficient power systems.
These tools enable customers to simulate and analyze different system configurations before implementation.
Discover more: Get to Know Your Customer Day
Acquisitions and Ventures
Cooper Industries made significant investments in its operations, acquiring several companies to expand its product offerings. One notable acquisition was the purchase of the electrical business of the Pittway Corporation, a major player in the market.
This acquisition helped Cooper Industries strengthen its position in the electrical products industry. The company also acquired other businesses, including the electrical business of the Pittway Corporation's subsidiary, Pittway's electrical business.
These strategic acquisitions enabled Cooper Industries to increase its market share and expand its product portfolio.
A different take: Thorn Electrical Industries
Eaton Acquires for $11.8B
Eaton is buying Cooper Industries for $11.8 billion to grow its power business and expand globally.
This massive deal is one of the biggest of the year, behind Xstrata, Avon Products, and Pfizer's $11.9 billion nutrition sale.
Cooper shareholders will receive cash and stock valued at about $72 a share, a 29% premium from the company's closing price on Friday.
The bundle is comprised of about $39.15 in cash and 0.77479 shares.
For another approach, see: General Motors Chapter 11 Reorganization

The purchase will significantly increase Eaton's capabilities and geographic breadth in its power management portfolio and electrical business.
The combined power businesses will be under a new publicly-traded company incorporated in Ireland, where Cooper is based.
The new company will be traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol ETN and is likely to be called Eaton Global Corp.
Joint Ventures
Joint ventures can be a great way to expand your business without taking on too much risk. They allow you to partner with another company to share resources, expertise, and costs.
In the right circumstances, joint ventures can be a win-win for both parties. For instance, a joint venture between two companies can create a new market or product, as seen in the partnership between Coca-Cola and Costa Coffee.
Joint ventures can also be a way to gain access to new markets and customers. This was the case with the joint venture between Google and Foxconn, which allowed Google to tap into Foxconn's manufacturing expertise and distribution channels.
However, joint ventures can also be complex and require a lot of coordination between partners. They often require a shared vision and a clear understanding of each other's goals and expectations.
Ultimately, joint ventures should be approached with caution and a thorough understanding of the potential risks and benefits.
For another approach, see: Memoranda of Understanding
Lobbying and Foreign Affairs
Cooper Industries Ltd. has a history of lobbying the U.S. government.
The company's lobbying activity can be viewed in detail by LegiStorm Pro users.
Cooper Industries has engaged with the U.S. government, and its lobbying efforts can be accessed by those with a LegiStorm Pro account.
LegiStorm Pro offers a range of benefits for users, including summaries of lobbying activity.
Additional reading: U. S. Steel Košice, S.r.o.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cooper Industries still exist?
Cooper Industries no longer exists as a separate entity, having been acquired by Eaton Corporation in 2012. The company's divisions are undergoing name changes as a result of the acquisition.
Featured Images: pexels.com


