Author: By Andy Brownfield – Managing editor, Cincinnati Business Courier
Paris-based Nexans announced April 27 that it has signed an agreement to acquire Republic Wire in a deal worth 680 million euros (about $797 million). The deal is expected to close in the third quarter of this year.
Nexans in a news release said the acquisition of Republic Wire is an important step to expanding its geographic footprint to the United States, one of the world’s largest markets and among the fastest growing for the type of cable Republic Wire produces. Republic Wire makes bare copper wire, tinned copper wire, insulated building wire, poly weatherproof wire and more.
Nexans said in its release it expects to maintain Republic Wire’s operations at its existing Ohio facilities, including a new headquarters and warehouse facility in West Chester Township. Republic Wire has about 200 employees. Nexans said Republic Wire’s management team will continue to lead the business, including Ron Rosenbeck and Jeremy Rosenbeck, the company’s founder and president, respectively.
Nexans said it expects about 23 million euros (about $27 million) in synergies. Those synergies are expected to be realized within three years, with 50% achieved in year one, according to the release. A spokesperson for Nexans said in an email that the estimates are projected revenue synergies, not cost synergies, and do not contemplate workforce reductions.
Ron Rosenbeck in the release said Nexans shares his family-owned business’ values, and he takes comfort knowing the culture he built will be in good hands.
“Republic Wire has always been more than a business to our family – it is a legacy built on hard work, loyalty, and a deep responsibility to our customers and the people who chose to build their careers here,” he said.
The deal has the potential for an additional 43 million euros (about $50 million) in earn-outs, or additional compensation, payable in 2028, based on Republic Wire’s performance through 2027.
PJT Partners is acting as exclusive financial adviser to Nexans; White & Case LLP is acting as legal adviser. Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP is acting as legal adviser to Republic Wire. 3CRE served as real estate adviser to Republic Wire.
Nexans manufactures and sells cables in France, Canada, Norway, Italy and internationally. The company operates in 41 countries and has 25,700 employees. Nexans generated 6.1 billion euros (about $7.15 billion) in 2025 sales.
Republic Wire earned $615 million in 2025 revenue, according to the most up-to-date numbers provided to the Business Courier. It ranked No. 30 on the 2025 Courier 150 list of the largest private companies in the Cincinnati region, based on 2024 revenue of $525 million.
The company in May 2025 relocated to a new 311,867-square-foot headquarters facility in West Chester Township that will see its ability to produce wire increased by 30%. Construction started in August 2023. The new facility represented a $20 million investment. The company received a seven-year, 60% enterprise zone tax abatement for the expansion.
