Bluffton, Carolina-based Franklin Electric Co. Inc. has completed its acquisition of 75% of the outstanding shares of Vertical S.p.A for cash. Franklin Electric said that it expects the transaction to be accretive to its earnings per share in 2009. Vicenza, Italy-based Vertical, had 2008 net revenues of approximately EUR 20 million. Vertical specializes in the design, development and manufacture of pressed and welded stainless steel pumps and pump components. Franklin Electric Chairman and CEO R. Scott Trumbull said the company already has initiated projects in the Americas and Asia to introduce stainless steel pumps produced by Vertical. In Europe, Vertical will continue to supply components to its customer base, many of whom are already customers of Franklin Electric.