3M completes Aearo acquisition

The $1.2-billion buy-out of Aearo Technologies Inc. will expand 3M’s product portfolio in the personal protection market, says Ken Symns, occupational health and environmental safety business manager at 3M Canada.  The $1.2-billion buy-out of Aearo Technologies Inc. will expand 3M’s product portfolio in the personal protection market, says Ken Symns, occupational health and environmental safety business manager at 3M Canada
 
Earlier this month, 3M announced it has completed its acquisition of Indianapolis-based Aearo Technologies, maker of personal protection and energy absorption products. Aearo’s brands include E-A-R, Peltor, and SafeWaze, and are sold in more than 70 countries.

The purchase “will significantly expand 3M’s occupational health and environmental safety platform by adding hearing protection as well as eyewear and fall protection product lines to 3M’s existing full-line of respiratory products,” 3M says in a statement.

The company adds that the Aearo acquisition will enable 3M to offer “a more complete” personal protection product offering to the industrial, military and construction sectors.

Both companies will be examining whether to keep the Aearo brands or fold them into the 3M name. “A global integration team, which consists of members from both Aearo and 3M, has been established to review a number of details, including the decision regarding branding,” says Symns.

3M’s reach for its personal protective equipment extends to various markets including first responder, industrial manufacturing, automotive, shipbuilding, military, home improvement contractors and consumer.

“3M and Aearo share similar cultures of innovation using new technologies for product development and growth, our global vision is to connect our people, processes and assets to achieve accelerated growth and improved market share,” Symns says.

The 3M Canada executive also assures Aearo resellers of the benefits they could gain from the merger.

“By combining two well-established and well-respected companies, Aearo re-sellers and distributors will directly benefit with a broader, more competitive set of personal safety solutions to offer their customers. They can now rely on a strong combined team of safety specialists to support their business and customers and help meet the needs of more individuals worldwide,” Symns says.