AHAM’s lawsuit, according to the Washington, DC-based trade association, seeks an emergency injunction to prevent the implementation of Colorado House Bill 25-1161, a law that “violates the First Amendment by singling out gas stoves, compelling retailers and manufacturers to warn consumers of alleged ‘health risks’ and ‘health impacts’ that have not been proven.”

“The overwhelming majority of available health research shows there is no association between gas stoves and adverse health outcomes, and – most critically – when evaluated collectively, fails to demonstrate causation,” AHAM said. “Indeed, the vast majority of studies conclude that the potential health risks of cooking with gas are no different than cooking with electricity.

“Because the alleged health risks from using gas stoves are not supported by scientific consensus, the law violates the First Amendment’s protection against compelled speech.”

Absent the injunction AHAM seeks in its lawsuit, Colorado’s new law “would force retailers and manufacturers to stigmatize their own products by presenting consumers with biased and misleading information promoting only a minority scientific position,” AHAM said. “If allowed to stand, Colorado’s law would set a dangerous precedent for compelled speech in consumer labeling, opening the door to other product labeling requirements that are not supported by scientific consensus and sowing further consumer confusion.”

According to AHAM, no study has found that gas stoves cause respiratory health issues, “and imposing a mandatory warning based on unsettled science misleads consumers, stigmatizes safe products, and undermines the principles of free speech and fair commerce.”

AHAM remains committed to providing consumers with accurate, unbiased, science-based information and education to enhance the safe and proper use of home appliances, the association added. “Colorado’s new labeling requirement is a misguided effort to address unproven hazards. Requiring retailers and manufacturers to present inaccurate and incomplete information is likely to lead to consumer confusion, questions and unintended consequences.”

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The transaction, which has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies, is expected to close early next year, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals and customary closing conditions, officials said.

Upon completion of the transaction, American Woodmark will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of MasterBrand, with the combined company, to be known as MasterBrand, headquartered at MasterBrand’s current location in Beachwood, OH.

“Bringing together MasterBrand and American Woodmark will be a transformative step for both of our organizations that will even better position us to serve the evolving needs of our customers and provide consumers with more choice and access,” said Dave Banyard, president and CEO of MasterBrand.

“MasterBrand and American Woodmark bring unique but complementary strengths – strong and broad portfolios and streamlined low-cost manufacturing profiles – and in leveraging them, the combination will help us accelerate our strategies and create enhanced value for both companies’ shareholders,” Banyard added.

MasterBrand, the largest manufacturer of residential cabinets in North America, offers an expansive portfolio of brands across a broad price spectrum, including Dura Supreme, KitchenCraft, Aristokraft, Omega, Bertch, Decora, Diamond and HomeCrest.

American Woodmark, which offers more than a dozen brands, is one of the nation’s largest cabinet suppliers.

“MasterBrand and American Woodmark will maintain a commitment to growing each company’s legacy brands,” Banyard said. “Channel partners are expected to benefit from greater flexibility as to where and how they purchase, and enhanced value through more sophisticated support and marketing capabilities.”

Combining the talent and resources of both MasterBrand and American Woodmark is also expected to enable increased investment in growth, automation and technology to drive further efficiencies and enhance the customer experience.”

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