Thomasville, GA & Hayward, CA — Aug. 25, 2026
Cleaver-Brooks, a leading provider of integrated boiler systems & thermal energy solutions, announces definitive agreement to acquire R.F. MacDonald Co.
The transaction is contingent upon regulatory approval in the United States that typically takes a minimum of thirty days.
The partnership reflects Cleaver-Brooks’ commitment to investing in customer relationships while expanding its sales, technical support, and service capabilities. By coming together with R.F. MacDonald Co., Cleaver-Brooks’ customers in California and Nevada can continue working with the trusted professionals they know, while gaining access to additional engineering resources, product expertise, and operational support – all under one combined organization.
“We are extremely excited about expanding our relationship and joining forces together with the incredible team at R.F. MacDonald,” said Bart Aitken, President and CEO of Cleaver-Brooks. “For 70 years, R.F. MacDonald has represented our products with professionalism, technical expertise, and a customer-first approach. Bringing our teams together allows us to build on that success, strengthen our presence in the market, and deliver even greater value to our customers and partners.”
Founded in 1956, R.F. MacDonald Co. has built a reputation for responsive customer service, technical knowledge, and strong relationships across many aspects of the boiler and thermal solutions industries. R.F. MacDonald Co. and its team of just under 300 employee-owners have played an important role in growing Cleaver-Brooks’ business throughout California and Nevada.
Jim MacDonald, Chairman of R.F. MacDonald Co., stated, “After generations of proud family ownership, followed by a transfer of ownership to our employees several years ago, this new chapter will provide our company with additional scale and resources to accelerate growth. Our core values – commitment to our customers and dedication to our employees – will hold firm as we come together with our longtime partner, Cleaver-Brooks.”
“This marks the start of a great new era as we start our eighth decade in business. Joining Cleaver-Brooks creates new opportunities for our customers, employees, and partners,” said Jim Lowell, CEO of R.F. MacDonald. “We share a commitment to solving customer challenges with reliable products, practical expertise, and responsive service. This combination gives us the resources to deliver even greater value.”
As a subsidiary of Cleaver-Brooks, the company will continue to operate under the R.F. MacDonald name, with the same leadership team and in the same territory. Customers can expect a seamless transition, with no interruption to existing sales contracts, technical support, or ongoing projects. The combined organization will continue to provide the same trusted service while offering expanded capabilities, including:
• Enhanced technical sales and application engineering support
• Direct access to factory resources and product expertise
• Improved coordination between sales, engineering, and customer service
• Greater investment in inventory, training, and customer responsiveness
• Expanded opportunities for future growth and innovation
This acquisition is part of Cleaver-Brooks’ broader strategy to strengthen customer engagement, accelerate innovation, and deliver industry-leading solutions across its markets.
About The Cleaver-Brooks Company, Inc.
Cleaver-Brooks, a business unit of Miura Co., Ltd., is headquartered in Thomasville, GA. The company designs, manufactures and delivers efficient thermal solutions so customers can reduce their energy costs and environmental impact. Cleaver-Brooks serves customers across the Americas, Middle East and Asia with a commitment to quality, innovation, and exceptional customer service. Visit cleaverbrooks.com for more information.
About R.F. MacDonald Co.
R.F. MacDonald Co. has represented leading manufacturers in the boiler market for 70 years, providing technical sales, application expertise, field service and customer support primarily throughout California and Nevada. Visit rfmacdonald.com for more information.
