How Mergers and Acquisitions Reshaped the Global Filtration Industry

The global filtration industry has never stood still.

While continuous advances in filtration media, contamination control, and system design have driven technological progress, another force has quietly transformed the industry—mergers and acquisitions (M&A).

Over the past two decades, many of today's leading filtration companies have expanded their product portfolios, entered new markets, and strengthened their global presence through strategic acquisitions.

These transactions didn't simply change company ownership—they reshaped the competitive landscape of the filtration industry and influenced how filtration technologies are developed, manufactured, and delivered worldwide.

Here are some of the most significant acquisitions that helped shape today's global filtration market.

2005 – Parker Hannifin Acquired domnick hunter

Parker Hannifin strengthened its filtration and compressed air treatment business by acquiring domnick hunter, a respected UK manufacturer specializing in compressed air filtration, gas purification, sterile filtration, and drying technologies.

The acquisition significantly expanded Parker's capabilities in compressed air and process filtration, allowing the company to offer more complete solutions across industrial, pharmaceutical, food & beverage, and life science applications.

Why it mattered: The acquisition transformed Parker into one of the world's leading suppliers of compressed air and process filtration technologies.

2006 – 3M Acquired CUNO

In 2006, 3M acquired CUNO Incorporated, a global leader in liquid filtration and purification technologies.

With more than 90 years of filtration expertise, CUNO brought advanced solutions for industrial process filtration, water treatment, food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, and microelectronics.

Today, CUNO products continue to be marketed under the 3M Purification portfolio.

Why it mattered: The acquisition strengthened 3M's position in high-value liquid filtration and expanded its global process filtration business.

2008 – Bosch Rexroth Acquired EPE (Eppensteiner)

Bosch Rexroth expanded its hydraulic filtration business through the acquisition of EPE (Eppensteiner GmbH & Co. KG), a German filtration manufacturer with decades of experience in hydraulic and lubrication filtration.

The acquisition enabled Bosch Rexroth to offer more comprehensive filtration solutions alongside its pumps, valves, cylinders, and hydraulic systems.

Why it mattered: By integrating EPE's filtration expertise, Bosch Rexroth became a more complete supplier of hydraulic system solutions.

2011 – Eaton Acquired Internormen

In 2011, Eaton completed the acquisition of Internormen Technology Group, one of Germany's leading hydraulic filtration manufacturers.

Internormen was well known for its hydraulic filter elements and systems, with operations across Europe, China, India, Brazil, and the United States.

The acquisition expanded Eaton's hydraulic filtration portfolio while strengthening its presence in rapidly growing industries such as wind energy and industrial hydraulics.

Why it mattered: Eaton significantly enhanced its hydraulic filtration capabilities and strengthened its global footprint, particularly in Europe and emerging markets.

2014 – Pall Acquired Filter Specialists Inc. (FSI)

In 2014, Pall Corporation acquired Filter Specialists Inc. (FSI), a global manufacturer of industrial liquid filtration products.

FSI was recognized for its innovative filter bags, filter housings, and patented filtration technologies serving industrial process applications.

Why it mattered: The acquisition broadened Pall's industrial liquid filtration portfolio and reinforced its leadership in process filtration.

2015 – Danaher Acquired Pall Corporation

One of the largest transactions in the filtration industry's history occurred in 2015, when Danaher Corporation acquired Pall Corporation for approximately US$13.8 billion.

Founded in 1946, Pall is one of the world's leading manufacturers of filtration, separation, and purification technologies, serving aerospace, industrial hydraulics, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, semiconductors, food & beverage, and energy industries.

Following the acquisition, Pall became part of Danaher's Life Sciences platform while continuing to serve industrial markets worldwide.

Why it mattered: The acquisition strengthened Danaher's leadership in life sciences while preserving Pall's position as one of the world's most influential industrial filtration brands.

2016 – MAHLE Sold Its Industrial Filtration Business to Filtration Group

In 2016, MAHLE Group sold its Industrial Filtration division to Filtration Group Corporation, headquartered in Chicago.

The transaction transferred approximately 900 employees and expanded Filtration Group's manufacturing capabilities, product portfolio, and customer base across industrial filtration markets.

Meanwhile, MAHLE sharpened its strategic focus on its core automotive business.

Why it mattered: The deal allowed both companies to strengthen their core businesses while making Filtration Group an even more significant player in the global industrial filtration market.

A Common Pattern Across the Industry

Looking back at these acquisitions, several industry trends become clear.

Companies expanded beyond their traditional product lines through strategic acquisitions.

Global manufacturing and service networks became stronger.

Hydraulic, process, industrial, and life science filtration technologies became increasingly integrated.

Customers gained access to broader product portfolios and more comprehensive filtration solutions.

These acquisitions were not simply about increasing company size—they reflected a long-term strategy to deliver more complete filtration technologies and strengthen competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global market.

What Does This Mean for End Users?

Although ownership of several well-known brands has changed over the years, customer expectations remain the same: reliable filtration performance, cleaner fluids, longer equipment life, and lower operating costs.

As a result, many distributors, maintenance companies, and industrial users are also seeking high-quality replacement filter elements that provide OEM-level performance with shorter lead times and better overall value.

At FiltraMate, we manufacture replacement filter elements compatible with many of the leading filtration brands mentioned above, including Pall, Eaton, Parker, Bosch Rexroth (EPE), MAHLE, Filtration Group, and many others. 

🤝 Feel free to connect with us—we'd be happy to discuss your application.