Leviton Acquires HAI (Home Automation, Inc)

Leviton announced, today, that it had acquired HAI (Home Automation, Inc.). HAI is a well-known player in the area of home automation controls for residential and light commercial applications. Leviton's current home automation offerings are now going to get ramped up immediately with the addition of HAI-based solutions for security, energy management and entertainment controls. From a "bird's eye view" of the situation, what this acquisition does is allow Leviton to benefit from HAI's broad product offerings. HAI currently has hardware and infrastructure to allow homeowners to control anything from automated video surveillance systems to their entire A/V system via IP. You can even remotely control and program your thermostats and activate lighting controls directly from a smart phone.

HAI will operate as a new, standalone business unit, branded HAI by Leviton, and maintain operations in New Orleans. The new business unit will be managed by Jay McLellan, current CEO and president of HAI, who will report directly to Daryoush Larizadeh. HAI product lines will soon be available through Leviton's U.S. and international channel partners and distributors. Leviton also plans to provide its builder and contractor network with the necessary training for installing HAI systems.

"Leviton's acquisition of HAI represents a significant expansion of our offerings in the residential market, and furthers Leviton's commitment to providing customers with the latest technologies as affordable, easy-to-use solutions. Leviton and HAI are two established brands coming together to offer a complete whole home automation solution that customers can trust."

- Daryoush Larizadeh, COO of Leviton

The interesting developments will come next year, when we find out what the addition of HAI to the Leviton brand brings in terms of greater resources and development. For now, this reads like more of a renewed distribution arrangement, with retention of key people to ensure that HAI operates pretty much as it always has. Given this, it's a good bet that dealers and installers can continue in "business-as-usual" fashion - at least until we see what Leviton's level of dedication to the newly acquired company is.