Washington, January 29, 2026 – The US Department of Justice has required Columbus McKinnon Corporation to divest key businesses as a condition for proceeding with its proposed $2.7 billion acquisition of Kito Crosby Limited, citing concerns over reduced competition in markets for lifting equipment.
The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division said it has filed a civil antitrust lawsuit in the US District Court for the District of Columbia to block the transaction, alongside a proposed settlement that would resolve the agency’s competitive concerns if approved by the court.
Under the proposed settlement, Columbus McKinnon must divest its power chain hoist business, including electric chain hoists, as well as its chain business, including overhead lifting chain, and related assets. The divestiture package is to be sold to Pacific Avenue Capital Partners LLC, an American firm with experience in industrial manufacturing, which is expected to hire certain key employees supporting the divested businesses.
According to the complaint, Columbus McKinnon and Kito Crosby are two of the leading manufacturers in the United States markets for electric chain hoists and overhead lifting chain, competing head-to-head in the development, manufacture, distribution and sale of these products. The Antitrust Division said the acquisition, without divestitures, would likely lead to higher prices, lower quality and reduced innovation for customers.
Electric chain hoists are widely used across industries such as automotive, aerospace, energy, construction and logistics to lift and position heavy materials, while overhead lifting chain is manufactured from forged alloy steel and designed to meet safety standards for lifting operations.
Columbus McKinnon is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and reported revenues of approximately $1 billion in 2024. Kito Crosby, a UK multinational headquartered in Arlington, Texas, reported revenues of $1.1 billion in 2024. The seller, KKR, is headquartered in New York.
The proposed settlement and a competitive impact statement will be published in the Federal Register in accordance with the Tunney Act, with a 60-day public comment period to follow before the court considers whether to enter a final judgment.
