Kidde plc, the global fire prevention, detection and suppression group has acquired IFTE plc, an UK-based provider of fire training simulators and safety-related equipment for international emergency services. The company has operations in the UK, USA, Canada and Germany.
The IFTE acquisition will extend the Kidde offering to the fire services, marine, aviation, petro-chemical, industrial and military training segments, benefiting from strong synergy with its existing products and services.
Kidde Chief Executive, Michael Harper, says, “The take over of IFTE represents another success in our infill acquisition strategy. It has a strong fit with our other business areas across the world and will benefit from sales and technical co-operation with its new sister companies in the group.”
The newly acquired business includes IFTE Ltd and ICS in the UK, Symtron in the US and Germany and ICS in Canada. IFTE specialises in large bespoke simulators primarily for the aviation industry. Symtron, based in New Jersey, is the US market leader in fire training simulators. ICS in the UK and Canada also produce a broad range of simulators and trainers.
According to Michael Harper, “ITFE is a technology leader and holds many patents for simulators and other equipment. Its latest annual sales were worth £18.9 million and with the world market for fire training systems and services estimated at around £700 million over the next five years, represents an excellent business opportunity for growth and improved business performance. This market is strongly driven by increased health and safety requirements, greater environmental awareness and the demand for ever-better security in the light of global terrorism.”
About Kidde plc
Kidde is a leading global supplier of fire and safety products, systems and services under a range of well-known and trusted brand names to industrial, commercial, aerospace, combustion control and retail customers. The Kidde Group comprises three divisions: Aerospace & Specialist Equipment, Residential & Commercial Fire Protection and Industrial Fire Protection. In the year to 31 December 2002, Kidde reported sales of £879m and operating profit of £81m.
For further information, please visit www.kidde.com