3M Acquiring Capital Safety for $2.5 Billion
The announcement says Bloomington, Minn-based Capital Safety's sales have increased at a compound annual growth rate of 10 percent over the past four years.
3M announced June 23 that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Capital Safety, a leading provider of fall protection equipment with brands that include DBI-SALA and PROTECTA, from KKR for a total enterprise value of $2.5 billion, including the assumption of approximately $700 million of debt, net of cash acquired.
The announcement says Bloomington, Minn-based Capital Safety "has demonstrated strong and consistent growth with sales increasing at a compound annual growth rate of 10 percent over the past four years," with sales adjusted to include recent acquisitions on a full-year basis of approximately $430 million for its fiscal year that ended March 31, 2015.
"Personal Safety is a large and strategically important growth business in the 3M portfolio," said Inge G. Thulin, 3M's chairman, president, and CEO. "The acquisition of Capital Safety bolsters our personal safety platform and will build on our fundamental strengths in technology, manufacturing, global capabilities and brand."
"Capital Safety is a tremendous business with a strong reputation in the safety industry and a talented team of dedicated employees," said Frank Little, executive vice president of the 3M Safety and Graphics Business Group. "3M's brand in personal protective equipment, combined with our global capability, will provide a broader array of products and solutions to both Capital Safety's and 3M's customers."
Capital Safety employs approximately 1,500 people worldwide.
"We have had an absolutely fantastic partnership with the management and employees of Capital Safety. Over the past three years, the company has driven impressive top-line growth, broadened its geographic presence, and further optimized its operations. Today, Capital Safety is a clear global leader in fall protection," said Pete Stavros, member of KKR and head of its Industrials team. He called 3M "a perfect home for a company and team that is so deeply committed to safety."
"This is a great strategic fit and provides Capital Safety and its employees with a strong platform for future growth. Each company also highly values innovation and this will enable us to drive further product development and provide a broader array of solutions to both Capital Safety and 3M customers," said Stephen Oswald, CEO of Capital Safety.