Watts Industries has acquired Hunter Innovations, Inc., for $25 million. Based in Sacramento, CA, Hunter has developed a patented diaphragm seal technology currently licensed by Watts for its backflow prevention product line and a line of automated control valves.

Hunter is transitioning from a technology development company to a manufacturer. Its sales in the last 12 months were about $1.5 million.

Michael Fifer, President of North American Operations for Watts Industries, said, "This is a very strategic acquisition in that it combines the next-generation technology Hunter has developed for large backflow prevention devices with the sales and marketing strengths of Watts. This new technology will immediately increase the market strength of Watts in both the fire protection and plumbing markets for backflow prevention."