Briggs & Stratton buying maker of light towers

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Engine maker Briggs & Stratton Corp. is acquiring a Nebraska company that makes towable light towers, industrial heaters and solar-powered arrow boards.

Milwaukee-based Briggs & Stratton said Thursday it agreed to pay $62 million for Almand Bros. Inc.

Almand Bros is based in Holdrege, Neb., and it generates sales of roughly $80 million annually.

The deal is expected to close within the next 30 days.

Briggs & Stratton CEO Todd Teske said the acquisition will expand the company’s commercial line of products, which will generate higher profit margins.