In a deal that unites two of the oldest toolmakers in the upper Midwest, Milwaukee Tool Corp. says it has acquired Empire Level, based in Mukwonago, Wis. Known for its measuring squares, plumbs and levels, 95-year-old Empire Level has long claimed to have invented the modern level.
Milwaukee Tool, Milwaukee, did not disclose the terms of the deal, announced on June 2. Empire Level is expected to operate as a separate division, says spokesperson Kharli Tyler. "There are no immediate plans to make changes to management and staff." Milwaukee Tool also does not plan to rebrand the other company's products. "The individual Milwaukee and Empire brands and product lines will remain separate as they cater to unique user groups," adds Tyler.