December 20, 2023
These Lighting Agents Made Headlines in 2023
Agents were active in territory expansions, M&A and litigation. Here are some of the highlights of 2023.
Lighting agents are crucial in the commercial and industrial lighting markets of the United States and Canada. As these agents develop into larger, more sophisticated businesses, they frequently expand their territories, acquire other representatives, and sometimes engage in legal disputes.
Below are some of the notable lighting agent stories we brought to you in 2023.
Big Line Changes, Territory Expansion & Agent Consolidation
Agents expanding geographic territories and forming new partnerships with major lighting companies are common occurrences. However, 2023 witnessed an exceptional surge in activity, especially among large multi-state agents adding even more territory. Bell & McCoy Companies emerged as the most prominent newsmaker in this trend, while another major agent, SESCO Lighting, also expanded its territories, resulting in overlaps with Bell & McCoy in numerous southern states.
Inside Lighting was the only media site to report most of these stories in 2023.
Iowa: Agent Acquisition Brings Signify Brands Under One Roof
C&O Sales has acquired NRG Sales Lighting & Controls, expanding its footprint into the Iowa market. This acquisition enhances C&O's representation of Signify Genlyte brands and bolsters its presence in Nebraska with over 50 independent lighting brands. The integration aims for a seamless transition and long-term stability in the region. Learn more...
North Carolina:
Acuity Brands Makes a Move in Charlotte
Acuity Brands is realigning its representation in Charlotte, North Carolina, transitioning from S.L. Bagby to TEAM Lighting Charlotte. This strategic move, effective May 24, signifies a shift in the southeastern lighting market, affecting both agents and brands within the territory. Learn more...
More Big Changes in the Charlotte Lighting Market
Following Acuity Brands' partnership change in Charlotte, the lighting market sees further upheaval. S.L. Bagby will cease operations on May 24, leaving 69 non-Acuity Brands in need of new representation. This major development impacts the landscape of local lighting agents significantly. Learn more...
Current™ TEAMs Up with EGI in Charlotte
TEAM Lighting, a consortium of North Carolina lighting agencies, welcomes EGI Associates to represent manufacturers in the Charlotte and western North Carolina territory. Learn more...
New York City: Diversified’s Strategic NYC Plan is Taking Shape
Diversified is expanding its reach into the New York Metro Area, becoming the representative for Current HLI. This move signifies a significant strategic push into one of the largest lighting markets, consolidating Diversified's position as a key player in the industry. Learn more...
Arkansas & Louisiana: SESCO Lighting adds Two States to its Southern Footprint
SESCO Lighting is extending its operations into Arkansas and Louisiana, enhancing its partnership with Signify. This expansion reflects SESCO's commitment to growth and market presence in the Southeastern United States. Learn more...
Chicago Part I: Chicago Exit: Force Partners to Close Agency
Force Partners, a Chicago lighting agency, is winding down operations, marking the end of a tumultuous six-year tenure in the Chicago market. This closure follows a series of strategic partnerships and legal challenges, reshaping the local lighting landscape. Learn more...
The GTA: Inside LMPG's Toronto LightWorks Launch
The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is witnessing the emergence of a new key player in the field of architectural lighting – Toronto LightWorks. This startup agency, backed by LMPG, Inc., formerly Lumenpulse Group, is setting its sights on becoming a prominent representative for architectural lighting manufacturers in the GTA's specification-rich market. Notably, this is not an acquisition but a fresh enterprise marking LMPG's expanding footprint in Canada. Learn more...
Saint Louis: Agents Join Forces in Merger
In the St. Louis market, a significant merger is underway as LTG Partners merges with Vector Sales, effective May 1, 2023. This merger unites their operations while retaining their leadership structures, marking a notable consolidation in the region's lighting industry. Learn more...
Philadelphia:
Signify to Partner with New Agent in Philadelphia
Signify announces a shift in its representation in the Philadelphia market, transitioning from Penn Lighting Associates to a new agent. On a whim, we cited DraftKings odds on which Philly agent would be Signify's new partner, and the response was fantastic. Thank you. Learn more...
Signify Inks New Agent Deals in Philadelphia
Following its departure from Penn Lighting, Signify has confirmed its new partnership with Synergy Electrical Sales for the Philadelphia market. This move enhances Signify's brand representation across Eastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and Delaware. Learn more...
Hawaii: Acuity Brands Says "Aloha" to New Agent Partnership
Acuity Brands is expanding its reach to Hawaii, appointing Hawaii Lighting Associates as its new agency. This partnership, effective July 31, brings SDLA principals and local expertise together, marking a significant development in the region's lighting landscape. Learn more...
SoCal: SCI pulls off the very rare Cooper + Wattstopper combo
SCI Lighting Solutions achieves a unique combination by representing both Cooper Lighting and Wattstopper in Southern California. This move reflects SCI's strategic positioning in a market that values diverse lighting solutions. Learn more...
Kentucky: LightSpec Partners with Signify in Kentucky
Expanding its unique footprint, LightSpec, based in Upstate New York, has ventured into Kentucky by partnering with Signify. This expansion marks another step in LightSpec's strategic growth across North America. Learn more...
Quebec: Major Lighting Brands Making Shifts in Quebec
Significant changes are occurring in Quebec's lighting industry, with major brands like Cooper Lighting, Current, and Cree Lighting realigning with new agents. This realignment impacts the commercial and industrial lighting markets across the province. Learn more...
South Central U.S.: Current Taps Bell & McCoy to Replace Hossley Across 6+ States
Current's strategic move appoints Bell & McCoy as its new representative across six states, replacing Hossley Lighting & Power Systems. This transition indicates a significant industry shift in the South Central U.S. and reinforces Bell & McCoy's partnership with Current. Learn more...
South Central U.S.: Cree Lighting Partners with Hossley Across South Central U.S.
Hossley Lighting & Power Solutions partners with Cree Lighting, expanding its territory across the South Central United States. This partnership comes after Hossley's realignment following its separation from Current HLI Brands. Learn more...
Southeast U.S.: Bell & McCoy Strikes Two More Deals
Bell & McCoy Companies, an electrical and lighting agency, announces two major developments: a merger with FRM and the acquisition of J.S. Cotney, Inc. These moves significantly extend Bell & McCoy's influence across the Southern states, demonstrating a strategic expansion of its business. Learn more...
Hackensack: SDA Lighting & Controls Expands Sales Territory to Northern New Jersey
One month before another lighting news website "revealed" the news alongside an attention-seeking police siren, we reported on longtime New York lighting agency, SDA Lighting & Controls, expanding its territory into Northern New Jersey. This expansion follows recent brand partner changes and reflects the ongoing evolution of the lighting partnerships in the New York and Northern New Jersey areas. Learn more...
Chicago Part II: Jim Williams Steps Down as CEO of KSA Lighting & Controls
Jim Williams announces his departure as President & CEO of KSA Lighting & Controls, passing leadership to Jim Maucieri and Keith Wittenbrink. Under Williams's leadership, KSA experienced significant growth, and this transition marks a new era for the agency. Learn more...
Legal Disputes:
Minnesota-based Mlazgar Associates has initiated multiple lighting lawsuits in recent years, dominating many headlines. However, the most popular lighting agent lawsuit story of the year involved Liberty Lighting Group's legal action against Acuity Brands and competing agent, Illuminations, Inc.
Our 2022 article citing the settlement of the lawsuit between Force Partners and KSA Lighting & Controls, along with Acuity Brands, Jim Williams and Ashley Williams was published last year, however, it continued to attract significant attention in 2023.
Inside Lighting was the only media site to report most of the following stories in 2023.
Settlement reached in Mlazgar vs. JTH Lawsuit
The contentious legal conflict between Mlazgar Associates and JTH Lighting Alliance, involving former Mlazgar employees and allegations of confidential information theft, is nearing its end. A settlement in principle was reached. The case's closure is expected to involve confidentiality clauses, offering little insight into the settlement terms. Learn more...
Mlazgar Sues Another: This Time, Current
Mlazgar Associates, a Minnesota-based lighting agency, has filed a lawsuit against HLI Solutions, a subsidiary of Current, alleging breach of contract and fraud. The agency claims it is owed unpaid commissions and that its representation of Hubbell Lighting ended inappropriately due to Hubbell Lighting's partnership with JTH Lighting Alliance, a competitor. This legal action follows Mlazgar's 2020 shift to Cooper Lighting Solutions in the same region. Learn more...
Counterpunch: HLI Accuses Mlazgar of Contract Breach
Current's HLI has filed a countersuit against Mlazgar Associates in response to Mlazgar's breach of contract lawsuit. The countersuit alleges that Mlazgar wrongfully breached their contract by partnering with Cooper Lighting without HLI's permission. This legal tussle follows Mlazgar's decision to keep its HLI contract active while initiating a partnership with Cooper Lighting. Learn more...
Recent Developments in Mlazgar vs. Focal Point Case
The legal battle between Mlazgar Associates and Focal Point has intensified. Mlazgar alleges breach of contract and business diversion by Focal Point towards JTH Lighting Alliance. Recent developments include the amendment of the complaint to include parent company Legrand and strong denials from Focal Point and Legrand. The court is moved to dismiss the case. Learn more...
Elite Lighting Faces Lawsuit for $280,000+ in Unpaid Commissions
Repco II, a Pittsburgh-based lighting agent, is suing Elite Lighting for allegedly breaching their contract and withholding over $280,000 in commissions. The dispute centers around a 2014 contract and its 2022 amendment, which modified commission structures. The lawsuit is ongoing. Learn more...
Liberty Lighting Group Sues Acuity Brands and Rival Agent
Liberty Lighting Group has filed a lawsuit against Acuity Brands and Illuminations Inc., alleging unlawful termination of their sales agreement. This legal action, which focuses on events before Liberty's merger with Diversified, highlights the vulnerability of agents heavily reliant on a single manufacturer. Learn more...
Other Agent-Related Articles
The Rise of Local Lighting Agent Events
Local lighting agent events have become key platforms for manufacturers to connect with local markets, offering an intimate and efficient alternative to larger industry events. Chicago's PG Enlighten Specifier Showcase exemplifies this trend, offering a blend of product showcases and networking opportunities, receiving positive feedback from the lighting community. Learn more...
Inside the Ugly Bankruptcy of Douglas Lighting Controls
Douglas Lighting Controls' bankruptcy in British Columbia has left 63 lighting agents unlikely to recover over $1.5 million owed to them. This event underscores the financial vulnerabilities in the lighting industry and the rippling effects of corporate financial difficulties on agents. Learn more...
Acuity Brands Delivers Solid Quarter: CEO Praises Lighting Agents
Acuity Brands CEO Neil Ashe acknowledges the crucial role of independent sales agents in driving the company's success. In an April earnings call, he highlighted their contributions, emphasizing the strength and exclusivity of Acuity Brands' agency network in North America. Learn more...
Faulty Controls Have Kept School Lights On Since 2021
A malfunctioning lighting controls system at Minnechaug Regional High School, made by Fifth Light, has kept lights on continuously since 2021, leading to significant costs. Reflex Lighting's Paul Mustone, representing Cooper Lighting and Fifth Light, spoke with NBC News about the issue, linking it to broader supply chain disruptions. Contrary to a published report on EdisonReport, Fifth Light is not owned by Reflex Lighting, it is a lighting controls brand of Cooper Lighting. Learn more...
“And Another Thing!” – 7 Contract Terms Reps Want from Manufacturers
This was a 2022 article, but it still gets lots of page views month-after-month.
We asked 23 agent principals "What non-standard contract terms are important to you?" Here’s what they told us. Learn more...
