Aug 5 2006
3M announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Aerion Technologies Inc., a Denver, Colo.-based provider of environmental monitoring products including gas detection systems. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
This acquisition broadens 3M's spectrum of safety products - for detection and protection to compliance - and expands its presence in gas detection and the safety market. Aerion brings to 3M a line of portable and fixed gas detection equipment for commercial and industrial applications; heat stress monitors; and a thermal imaging camera line. Its brands include Aim portable gas detectors, Macurco carbon monoxide monitors, and FireFLIR thermal imaging cameras.
Complementary acquisitions such as this support both 3M's core business and growth strategy to expand into adjacent markets. "Combined with 3M's well-developed and established industrial and personal protective equipment, our global distribution channels, and our strong reputation in respiratory protection, Aerion will support growth by adding gas detection for environmental monitoring," said Mike Kelly, division vice president, 3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division.
"Aerion complements 3M's strong technical capability for future product development, while 3M's global infrastructure increases the possibilities for sales of Aerion's products beyond our current reach," said Mike Strandell, CEO, Aerion Technologies Inc.
3M is a global leader in supplying workplace protection with a full line of maintenance-free and reusable filtering facepiece and elastomeric facepiece respirators; supplied and powered air purifying respiratory systems; hearing protection products; air monitoring systems; and sorbent materials.