HVACR

Lennox to Acquire Heat Controller from Platinum Equity

The HVAC equipment supplier had been part of Platinum Equity’s MARS distribution platform, which has undergone a series of divestment and acquisition moves since 2024. Heat Controller serves distributors through its Comfort-Aire and Century brands.

HVAC solutions manufacturer Lennox has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Heat Controller — a Jackson, MI-based HVAC equipment supplier — from private equity firm Platinum Equity.

Financial terms were not disclosed for the transaction, which is expected to close later this year.

Heat Controller serves distributors across North America through its Comfort-Aire and Century brands, while Dallas-based Lennox provides residential and commercial HVAC systems, controls and services through a network of dealers and distributors.

Lennox said the acquisition will expand its product portfolio and strengthen how it serves distributor partners.

“Heat Controller and its Comfort-Aire and Century brands strengthen how we serve our distributor partners with flexibility and exceptional customer service,” Lennox CEO Alok Maskara said in a June 18 news release. “I am excited to welcome this team to Lennox. Together, we see meaningful opportunities to support our distributor partners.”

Heat Controller CEO Philip Windham added: “We appreciate Platinum Equity’s support and partnership during an important chapter in our company’s evolution. Their operational resources, strategic guidance and commitment to investing in the business helped strengthen our platform and create new opportunities for growth. We are excited to begin our next chapter with Lennox and continue delivering the service, flexibility and value our customers depend on.”

Platinum Equity acquired Heat Controller in 2024 as part of its investment in Motors & Armatures, or MARS — a Hauppauge, NY-based distributor of HVAC/R parts, supplies and equipment.

In October 2025, MARS signed an agreement to sell its parts division to CSW Industrials for $650 million in cash, plus a potential earn-out valued at up to $20 million. That sale excluded MARS’ equipment distribution division, which remained in Platinum Equity’s portfolio and began operating under the Heat Controller name. At the time, Heat Controller offered residential and commercial heating, cooling and dehumidification equipment under the Comfort-Aire and Century brands.

Platinum Equity said the sale to Lennox represents the final exit from its MARS investment.

Platinum Equity’s activity with MARS also included the December 2024 integration of HVACR components master distributor Global and its AmRad Manufacturing subsidiary. That acquisition brought U.S.-based in-house manufacturing capabilities to MARS and expanded the combined platform’s product and service offerings.