Rumor: Is Somfy Buying Centralite?

Centralite is a sleeper in the lighting controls business but a favorite among many integrators. At CEDIA Expo 2009, they're sharing a booth with Somfy, a giant in the motorized shading business.

Rumor has it that Somfy may be acquiring Centralite.

It would make perfectly good sense. Lutron has shown us again and again that lighting and shade control are great complements for comfort and energy savings: Turn off the lights during the day when the motorized shades lift to let in the sun.

For a perfect trifecta, Somfy should acquire Residential Control Systems (RCS), a sleeping giant in residential HVAC controls and home automation.

They could follow Lutron's lead of integrating lighting, thermostats and motorized shades.