Bacou-Dalloz Adds Premium Norwegian In-Ear Technology to Hearing Protection Unit
Paris-based Bacou-Dalloz announced June 11 that it has acquired Nacre AS (Norway) and thereby become "world leader in intelligent earplugs." The acquired company's operations will remain in Trondheim, Norway, but it is being added to Bacou-Dalloz's San Diego-based global hearing protection unit. "The acquisition perfectly fits the Group's strategy of expanding into high added value market segments with strong growth and synergy potential," Bacou-Dalloz said in its news release. "Nacre AS brings a revolutionary technology currently used by military clients both in the United States and in European countries. This in-ear technology has also the potential to enrich Bacou-Dalloz's hearing application portfolio in the industry and other government markets by providing unmatched communication abilities in harsh noise environments. Furthermore, it will enable Bacou-Dalloz to consolidate its presence in the military markets."
The acquired company is valued at $120 million in U.S. dollars plus up to $15 million more based on future performance, according to the release, which said Nacre AS's sales are "growing rapidly" and are at about $35 million in U.S. dollars this year "with operating margins above Bacou-Dalloz' average."
"Bacou-Dalloz is now positioned at the champion of intelligent hearing protection," Chairman and CEO Henri-Dominique Petit said in the release. "As the first to develop a product that simultaneously provides protection in tough environments and audio communications, Nacre AS has become a reference for the armies of the world. We are delighted to welcome the team that has developed this remarkable technology."