When USA-based Johnson Controls announced that it had purchased the Ireland-based Tyco International, much of the media coverage spent more time talking about the impact the move overseas would have on Johnson’s new tax bill. With both being Thread Group members, this could be a very fortunate merger for Thread in terms of device adoption. But make no mistake, this is a huge consolidation in the world of building automation, as two well-established giants come together to combine Tyco’s $14bn security, surveillance and fire alarm portfolio with Johnson’s $23bn HVAC and building management business. It appears that Johnson is paying above the market value for Tyco, but the $16bn acquisition price will certainly provide long term benefits for the combined…