MSA Safety acquires UK-based Bristol Uniforms

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MSA Safety acquires Bristol Uniforms

MSA Safety Incorporated, a global safety equipment manufacturer has announced that it has acquired England-based Bristol Uniforms in an all-cash transaction that is reportedly valued at $60 million.

This acquisition further strengthens MSA Safety’s hold in fire service, personal protective equipment (PPE) while expanding businesses in the UK and key European markets.

Bristol Uniforms, which is headquartered in Bristol, England, provides protective apparel to the fire and rescue services with an annual turnover of $40 million

The company is popular for its high-quality gear and innovative designs. They currently have 200 employees across 4 UK locations.

“Helping to keep firefighters safe has been a longstanding element of the MSA mission,” said Nish Vartanian, MSA chairman, president, and CEO. “The acquisition of Bristol advances that mission as well as our growth strategy to protect firefighters from head to toe with the very best in safety technology,” he said.

“Our entire International team, and particularly our associates in Europe, have done a terrific job over the past three years building a more agile, efficient, and growth-focused organization. Today’s acquisition reflects the confidence we have in our team’s ability to quickly integrate Bristol into the MSA portfolio. It also recognizes the progress our team in Europe has made in executing MSA’s overall vision for growth,” he said.

MSA’s Senior Vice President and CFO, Ken Krause stated, “The fire service is a strategic market for us that has performed well through a broad range of economic cycles, including the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said. “Bringing Bristol under the MSA umbrella builds on our 2017 acquisition of U.S. turnout gear leader Globe, while adding another defensive element to our portfolio and providing us with an opportunity to expand MSA’s addressable market in the International segment. With MSA’s global reach and Bristol’s strong brand equity, we’re confident in our ability to reach key geographic markets and make the Bristol brand even more successful.”