MSA acquires General Monitors

MSA recently acquired General Monitors for US$280 million. General Monitors is a privately held company that develops fixed gas- and flame-detection systems, with annual revenues of approximately $80 million and approximately 225 employees.

The acquisition strengthens MSA’s position in the global oil, gas and petrochemical markets by complementing its existing product line. General Monitors’ products are used in oil and gas exploration and refining applications and other industrial plant settings.

MSA President and CEO William M. Lambert commented that the acquisition accelerates a key element of MSA’s long-term corporate strategy to provide a broad line of gas- and flame-detection solutions to the estimated $850 million market the two companies serve: “There are many synergies that make this acquisition a superb fit for both organisations, including an industry-leading product line, complementary geographic footprint, and a mutually intense focus on driving customer satisfaction and loyalty. Most importantly, our companies have very similar cultures built on integrity and defined by a passion for innovation and a commitment to one mission: protecting and saving lives.”

Since the acquisition, the company has focused on developing a comprehensive cross-functional integration process that is designed to ensure the success of the venture.

General Monitors President and CEO Phillip A Robbibaro will continue to work for the company in the same capacity, and MSA has retained the General Monitors management team, many of them serving on the cross-functional integration team.

“We plan to leverage the technological expertise, market reach and best practices of both organisations to provide the best solutions available in gas- and flame-detection systems, “Robbibaro said. “Our respective product lines complement each other in virtually every market we serve.”

General Monitors was founded in 1961 to provide hydrogen gas monitoring safety equipment for the US space program. This focus on protecting life in the workplace evolved into a corporate commitment to provide gas and flame detection throughout the world’s energy-related industries.