Toro acquires irrigation products company Rain Master

Toro, maker of outdoor living products, has acquired Rain Master, the Simi Valley, Calif.-based manufacturer of irrigation control systems. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Rain Master produces irrigation central control systems, controllers and handheld remote controls for residential landscape and commercial markets. According to Toro, Rain Master has a strong presence in many parts of the West and recently has expanded into growth areas throughout the country.

"This purchase is consistent with our strategy to pursue acquisitions that will strengthen our position in the water management market and drive our revenue growth," said Michael Hoffman, chairman and CEO of Toro. "Rain Master is an established, well-respected company in the irrigation industry and will provide us with a product line that helps enhance our global offering now and in the future."

As a result of the purchase, Jim Sieminski, Rain Master CEO, and the employees of Rain Master will become part of Toro’s water management team.

Bloomington, Minn.-based Toro had 2006 sales of $1.8 billion.