Lighting Deal – Diversified Group Strengthens in NYC, ORA Joins Forces

Rep, or in this case, lighting agent, consolidation continues as ORA Lighting & Controls joins forces with Diversified Group to increase presence in NYC.

Recently we wrote about how the rep / lighting agent landscape is changing. This is being driven by a desire for growth, scalability to support manufacturer expectations for demand generation resources, the need to invest in more / better people, investments in technology, some lines seeking to align with “bigger” agencies to support their investment / management needs (and in some cases they are seeking a more “effective” rep / agent and, the age-old issue of “succession.”

The succession issue is real as owners “age out” and are desiring a “wealth event.” In some cases, it is “time to retire / enjoy life”. Some, as I heard at the recent NAED, are undergoing / exploring ESOPs. A key determinant in determining the right path is ownership determining if they have leaders or managers in their business.

All this is to say that there is another acquisition / merger to report between two lighting agencies. This one enables Diversified Group, known in the Philadelphia, New Jersey, and New York markets to strengthen its business in the New York area by acquiring O’Blaney Rinker Associates, recently rebranded ORA Lighting and Controls.

The acquisition is, most likely, a cost-effective way for Diversified to acquire lines for its New York division and gain talent. It may also have been a way to assist ORA with succession and other issues given the unexpected passing of co-founder Caroline Rinker in June 2023. (and this is just a guess).

The acquisition enables ORA’s 12 staff members to join Diversified’s ESOP.

The additional lines could also help build out the offering as Diversified’s New York line card is anchored by Current Lighting.

Diversified Group / ORA Lighting and Controls Press Release

Diversified shared the following press release:

“Diversified Group, a premier representative of high-quality lighting and controls across Eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, and metro New York, and O’Blaney Rinker Associates, recently rebranded ORA Lighting and Controls, a leading architectural lighting representative serving metro New York and North Jersey, are excited to announce that ORA will join Diversified Group, helping both to expand its product offering and service capabilities to their local design & construction community.

Bruce King, President & CEO of Diversified Group, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “The integration of ORA Lighting and Controls into the Diversified family marks a significant milestone in our journey to provide unparalleled lighting solutions. ORA’s reputation for innovation and quality complements our mission to deliver total lighting and control solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers.”

“Renowned for its ‘design solution and customer-centric approach,’ ORA will operate within the Diversified framework but will continue to go to market under the ORA Lighting and Controls Brand with an expanded portfolio of products and services for the metro New York market,” stated Bruce King.

“We are thrilled to join forces with Diversified Group,” said James O’Blaney, Principal at ORA Lighting and Controls. “This opportunity allows us to leverage Diversified’s extensive network and resources to bring our innovative lighting solutions and ‘service centric approach’ to a wider audience. Together, we are poised to set new standards in the New York market while continuing to deliver exceptional brand value to our clients.”

Excited about the future, Bill Cloud, Sr. Vice President, Diversified New York & New Jersey Markets, added, “James and his highly respected team are the perfect complement to our initial efforts in New York. After our first meeting, it was clear they will bring a strong boost to our focus on the specification community and be a great fit for our ever-expanding family. We are looking forward to bringing our teams together and leaning on each other’s strengths as we continue to grow and invest in the metro New York marketplace.”

ORA Lighting and Controls will continue to serve its customers with the same dedication and excellence, now backed by the robust infrastructure and support of Diversified Group. The combined strengths of both entities promise to elevate the lighting and controls landscape, driving forward the shared vision of delivering superior products and services.

For more information about Diversified Group and ORA Lighting and Controls, please visit https://diversified-group.com and https://oblaneyrinker.com”