Makita and Panasonic have announced that Makita will be acquiring the Panasonic Power Tools business, as of September 2026.
There isn’t much information about the transaction, other than both saying that the Panasonic tools business is being “transferred” to Makita.
All after-sales services and support will become Makita’s responsibility following the transition at the starter of September.
Makita will own the Panasonic tool business in Japan as well as overseas, suggesting the transfer or acquisition will be in effect worldwide. This is important to note, as it’s not always the case, such as with Ryobi.
Makita plans to acquire all issued shares of the succeeding company to be established through an absorption‑type company split by [Panasonic].
Makita specifically describes what they will be getting from the Panasonics’ tool business:
Development, manufacturing, and sales of power tool products, including factory and construction fastening equipment and factory‑related IoT solutions.
From Panasonic’s release, they will be establishing a successor company that will be transferred to Makita via share transfer procedures.
Basically, as I understand it, Panasonic is splitting off the power tools business and then selling it in its entirety to Makita.
What does this mean for tool users?
At this time, it’s too soon to tell.
In my over 17 years here at ToolGuyd, Panasonic went from a small tool brand in North America to a specialty provider with very small footprint and low market share in the professional and DIY tool markets.
They have continued to innovate and develop in this space, just not here. See Panasonic has Unique Cordless Drill and Impact Attachments.
What does Makita get from the deal? I would say some know-how how, at the least. It gets Makita into the factory assembly tool business.
How will Panasonic’s tool business, and its development and manufacturing capabilities, contribute to Makita’s efforts in the cordless power tool industry?
Will Makita maintain Panasonic as a separate brand, or will it be folded into Makita? If the former, will they bring that brand to the USA and North America? If the brands are consolidated, how will that work, especially regarding battery compatibility?
It will be interesting to see what happens.
Makita buying the Panasonic tools business was not on my list of predictions for 2026.
