APC has been a source of pride for the state’s business community. It was founded in 1981 by three researchers from MIT, and grew into a global leader in backup power and cooling equipment for corporate data centers. It is now the state’s 33rd largest employer, with 1,144 people at its headquarters.

If anything, the acquisition and merger will make APC more visible in the region, [APC President] Vernerey said in a speech at the Rhode Island Convention Center... “I want to pledge myself to renew the presence of APC in the community. We believe we need to give back.”