America Standard America (AS America Inc.), Crane Plumbing LLC and Eljer Inc. recently announced their intent to merge, which is expected to take place in the second quarter of 2008. Integration of the companies’ operations is expected to occur within a 12- to 24-month period.

Once the merger is complete, Donald C. Devine, President and CEO of American Standard America, will lead the new company and Kevin Oak, CEO of Crane Plumbing, will become COO. Jim Harris, CEO of Eljer, will be part of the integration steering committee. The new organization will have operations in the United States, Mexico and Canada, and its headquarters will be in Piscataway, NJ.

While leaders of all three companies are excited about the opportunity and have formed integration teams and plans for the merger, the three companies will continue to conduct business as usual and operate as independent companies until the closing.