MSA Completes Acquisition of CGF Gallet of France
PITTSBURGH, May 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- MSA (Amex: MSA) today announced it has completed the acquisition of CGF Gallet of France, the leading European manufacturer of protective helmets for the fire service, as well as head protection for the law enforcement, aviation and military markets.
With this acquisition, MSA strengthens its presence in the European fire service market by adding the dominant brand of fire helmets to an already strong product line, which includes self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), thermal imaging cameras, portable gas detection instruments and CairnsHelmets in the U.S. Gallet will continue to operate from its current location near Lyon, France, and become part of MSA Europe.
"We're very excited about finalizing the transaction and bringing these two well-known and long-respected fire service brands -- MSA and Gallet -- together," said John T. Ryan III, MSA chairman and chief executive officer. "The creation of MSA Gallet makes us a clear global leader in firefighter head protection. The acquisition also provides MSA with significant potential to expand its reach into other markets currently served by Gallet, such as law enforcement, aviation and the military," he said.
To leverage the strength and wide recognition of the Gallet brand throughout Europe, their products will be marketed under the MSA Gallet name.
"We've acquired a strong brand with a distinguished reputation for quality and manufacturing excellence, but the acquisition also allows us to advance our safety technology," said Jim Baillie, president of MSA Europe. "Gallet will enhance MSA's ability to fully integrate respiratory protection products with head protection. This is particularly important in the fire service market, where the integration of fire helmets and self-contained breathing apparatus represents the next generation of safety technology."
Established in 1914, MSA is the world's leading provider of quality products and services that protect people's health and safety and the environment. The company has annual sales of about $550 million, with manufacturing operations throughout the United States and Europe, and 27 international affiliates. MSA Europe is headquartered in Berlin, Germany.
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SOURCE MSA (Mine Safety Appliances Company)
CONTACT: Mark Deasy of Ketchum, +1-412-456-3843, for MSA; or Benedict DeMaria of MSA, +1-412-967-3108
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