The Great Illinois Tool Works Owning Spree: How Many Companies Did They Actually Snag?
Ever heard of Illinois Tool Works (ITW)? They're kind of a big deal, a Fortune 200 company that's been around since, well, practically forever (founded in 1912, to be exact). But here's the thing: ITW isn't content with just being good at one thing. They're like a shopping mall Santa on a sugar rush, going wild in a store full of "Company Available" signs.
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| How Many Companies Does Illinois Tool Works Own |
So, how many companies do they own?
That, my friend, is the million-dollar question (well, maybe more like a hundred-million-dollar question). ITW is famous for being tight-lipped about the exact number. They like to keep things mysterious, like a magician who never reveals their secret sauce (or in this case, secret spreadsheet of acquisitions).
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Here's what we do know: ITW operates through seven market-leading segments, each focusing on a specific industry. Think of it like a super cool, highly-organized garage sale where every section is overflowing with awesome stuff. You've got engineered fasteners and components, equipment and consumable systems, and even specialty products. Basically, if you need something to build something else, ITW's probably got you covered.
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Here's what we don't know: The exact number of companies lurking within those seven segments. ITW likes a decentralized business model, which basically means they give their acquired businesses a lot of freedom. This is great for fostering creativity and keeping everyone on their toes, but it also makes it super hard to pin down a definitive number.
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Our best guess? A whole bunch. We're talking hundreds, easy. Maybe even enough to rival a particularly enthusiastic beanie baby collector.
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But wait, there's more!
ITW isn't just about quantity, they're about quality too. They've got some seriously recognizable brands under their umbrella. We're talking Hobart (ever had a delicious restaurant meal that involved a giant oven? Yeah, you can thank Hobart), Miller Electric (lighting up the welding world, one spark at a time!), and Paslode (making nail guns not-so-scary since...well, whenever nail guns became a thing).
So, the answer to the million-dollar question? It's a lot. A whole lot. Enough to make your head spin and your bank account envious.
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FAQ: You Got Questions, We (Maybe) Got Answers
How to find out the exact number of companies ITW owns?
Good luck, my friend. ITW keeps that info close to the vest.How to invest in ITW?
That's a question for a financial advisor, but their ticker symbol is NYSE: ITW if you're feeling curious.How to get ITW to buy my company?
That's a whole other topic. Maybe try inventing the next best thing in sliced bread (or, you know, something cooler).How to score a free Paslode nail gun from ITW?
We wish! Probably best to stick to traditional retail outlets for that one.How to know if ITW makes the thingamajig I need for my doodad?
Check out their website! They have a whole section dedicated to their different business segments https://www.itw.com/about-itw/business-segments/.
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