MSA Safety Incorporated - Experts & Thought Leaders

MSA Safety Incorporated, a global pioneer in the development of advanced industrial safety technology products and solutions that protect people and facility infrastructure, announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Autronica Fire and Security ("Autronica") for approximately $555 million. Founded in 1957, Autronica is a designer, manufacturer, and supplier of fire detection, gas detection, and alarm systems. Autronica serves the critical infrastructure, energy, and maritime sectors. Based in Trondheim, Norway, Autronica employs approximately 500 employees globally. Acceleration of detection growth "We are excited to welcome Autronica to the MSA Safety family," said Steve Blanco, MSA Safety President and CEO. "This acquisition accelerates our fixed detection growth strategy by adding a highly complementary, scaled fire and gas systems business. Autronica enhances our ability to participate earlier in project design and to deliver more integrated safety solutions across critical infrastructure, energy, and marine applications. The acquisition marks another key pillar of our Accelerate strategy, reinforcing our focus on expanding our detection platform and advancing our portfolio through strategic acquisitions," he said.   "With Autronica's strong technological expertise and leadership in fire and gas safety systems, we expect to leverage the combined portfolio to further enhance our ability to meet demanding customer safety requirements across high–hazard and regulated environments," Mr. Blanco continued. "The combination positions MSA to expand into a large, growing addressable market supported by regulatory drivers, technical complexity, and long renewal cycles for mission–critical assets. In addition, Autronica's complementary geographic footprint enables both organizations to leverage regional strengths, expand global reach, and deliver greater value to customers worldwide. Autronica's mission statement, zero loss of lives, is strategically aligned with MSA's Mission, Vision and Values." Maximizing growth potential Commenting on the transaction, Autronica CEO, Sindre Utne said, "Joining MSA Safety marks an exciting next step for Autronica. MSA's leadership position in safety and detection technologies, its strong systems and solutions capabilities, and its long-standing customer relationships make it an ideal owner as we work to maximize our growth potential." He added, "By leveraging MSA's global market reach, distribution channels, and deep detection expertise, we see a significant opportunity to expand and combine our solution offering, deepen engagement with customers earlier in the project lifecycle, and extend our reach well beyond the installed base and the markets we serve." Acquisition and transaction details The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, and will be funded through a combination of cash on hand and borrowings under MSA's existing credit facility.  The acquisition is expected to be accretive to growth and margins, with synergies. Autronica is a capital-efficient business that generates significant free cash flow and is expected to be accretive to adjusted EPS in the first full year of ownership. In 2025, the company recorded approximately $160 million in sales with an adjusted EBITDA margin of approximately 20%. BofA Securities is acting as exclusive financial advisor to MSA Safety, and Sidley Austin LLP is acting as legal advisor.

MSA Safety Incorporated, a pioneer in firefighter safety equipment and technology, will be taking center stage at the upcoming Emergency Services Show (ESS) in Birmingham, on September 21 and 22, by demonstrating its full suite of cutting-edge, compatible personal protective equipment (PPE) for the first responder market. The MSA team will demonstrate how its fire protective clothing, helmets, breathing apparatus, advanced communications, and gas detection systems work seamlessly together in a range of different applications. Gas detection systems Show attendees will be invited experience MSA’s Connected Firefighter Platform, a new suite of advanced safety technologies that work in concert to significantly improve firefighter monitoring, accountability, and communication. Two key components of the Platform are the LUNAR® Connected Device and MSA’s FireGrid® software services. LUNAR provides personal thermal imaging and several other innovative features A multifunctional handheld device, LUNAR provides personal thermal imaging and several other innovative features that are designed to enhance firefighter safety and accountability. These innovations include MSA’s proprietary Firefighting Assisting Search Technology (F.A.S.T.) network, which alerts and guides teammates to downed team members. With cloud connectivity, LUNAR also provides incident command with an overview of on-scene operations by aggregating data from other MSA devices, such as the M1 self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), which was recently selected by the London Fire Brigade as its new respiratory protection system of choice. Various Alarm Indicators In use, LUNAR can transmit vital SCBA data such as cylinder air pressure, battery status, and various alarm indicators. The FireGrid component enables incident commanders to evaluate and manage multiple situations, in real-time, and from any location. At this year’s ESS, MSA will be introducing several enhancements to these technologies, and other innovative products, including: M1 Control Module – LUNAR Compatibility: Leveraging the integrated Bluetooth capabilities of the M1 Control Module, cylinder air pressure and other alarm indicators can be aggregated by LUNAR and transmitted to FireGrid to provide incident commanders with real-time fireground information. Additionally, incoming alerts from incident command (such as evacuation requests) can be relayed through LUNAR to the M1 Control Module to alert firefighters to immediately exit the structure. The M1 Control Module and LUNAR® devices are designed to work together as one system – when paired, LUNAR’s motion alarm capabilities will default to the M1 Control Module to not distract firefighters with have to manage two motion sensing devices. Increasing Situational Awareness FireGrid® Map View: Leveraging the GPS capability in devices such as LUNAR, incident commanders will now be able to monitor their crew’s location in the FireGrid application. Fotokite Partnership: Tethered drone technology from Fotokite will be on display, featuring its aerial video capabilities that will be integrated into MSA’s Connected Firefighter Platform through future development projects to help increase situational awareness. MSA Bristol’s popular lines of protective clothing: EOS, the structural firefighting kit designed for ultimate particulate protection, and the brand-new Bristol X4, developed to meet the requirements of firefighters in continental Europe, will be on display. Both lines have been manufactured with the latest high-quality fabric combinations from fiber and fabric manufacturers such as WL Gore, PBI Performance Products, and Hainsworth. Designed to meet the requirements of CEN standard EN469 Level 2, they feature ergonomic shaping and a streamlined fit, reducing bulk and weight, all while maintaining a full range of motion. First Responder Applications Industry fire helmets: MSA will be exhibiting a selection of helmets for firefighters, such as the iconic Gallet F1XF, as well as recently developed helmet solutions for a wider range of emergency personnel, including the police and ambulance services. The Gallet F2XR is a modular and versatile design, with a variety of accessories, that can be adapted for use in a wide range of first responder applications including wildland firefighting, technical rescue, police operations, and medical emergencies. This includes the latest protective clothing designs, a new range of versatile helmets and SCBA tailored" According to Jason Traynor, General Manager of MSA’s Global Fire Service Products, MSA Safety’s presence at ESS will be the biggest and boldest to date. “It’s exciting to be back at the Emergency Services Show with so much to share and demonstrate to attendees,” he said. “This includes the latest protective clothing designs, a new range of versatile helmets and SCBA tailored specifically to the UK market, and our extensive line of advanced connected solutions – all of which work in concert to enhance firefighter safety.” Highly Dangerous Situations Mr. Traynor added: “Emergency services personnel face challenges and highly dangerous situations every single day and must be able to put their trust in their protective clothing and equipment.” “At MSA we take our responsibility as a leader and innovator in this field very seriously. We listen carefully to our customer's needs and develop solutions that give them the confidence to face these challenges, always keeping safety at the heart of what we do.” During the conference, MSA Safety experts will participate in a panel discussion on Technology Innovation and Fire Ground Use. The event is scheduled for 10.30 am on Wednesday 21st September, and will include an interactive LUNAR experience session at 11:00 am on Thursday 22nd September. To stay up to date with the latest news from MSA at the Emergency Services Show, visit the MSA Stand D40 or follow MSA Fire’s Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages.

Security industry professionals are invited to attend The Emergency Services Show, taking place at the NEC, Birmingham on 21-22 September. Acknowledging the key role that the private security industry can play as the ‘fourth emergency service’, the show features the First Responder Theatre with CPD-accredited seminars. A new feature for 2022, the two-day seminar program is designed to improve collaboration between the emergency services and security industries, and look in depth at emerging industry topics including the expected impacts of Martyn’s Law. Discover innovative technologies Free-to-attend, The Emergency Services Show brings together all disciplines from the emergency services sector to discover innovative technologies and operational solutions, share experiences and unite in a collaborative approach to public safety. The Emergency Services Show brings together all disciplines from the emergency services sector Global security commentator and former Senior British Military Intelligence Officer, Philip Ingram MB will open the first day in the First Responder Theatre with a review of the state of global security and the impact for first responders. He also rounds out the final day with a session looking at global first responder priorities during the current international instability, including lessons from Ukraine. Private security industry Lee Doddridge, Director of Covenant will lead a session detailing the expected implications of Martyn’s Law for the security industry in The Protect Duty - legislating for a basic level of security preparedness, what could we see? Nick Aldworth, Director of Risk to Resolution and author of the Protect Duty legislative proposal returns to this hot topic in The Protect Duty - mobilizing society to protect itself from terrorism. Ronnie Megaughin, Head of Compliance & Inspection at the Security Industry Authority will also consider how the private security industry can enhance public safety in the context of the Manchester Arena Inquiry Volume 1 Report Findings. Robin Dallaway, CEO of Working the Doors will look closely at how the police can work better with front line security services. Two speakers from the City of London Police will lead a session on Project Servator, giving an overview of how the police and organizations, venues, and events are working to disrupt the information-gathering of hostiles planning attacks. Hostiles planning attacks The Future Policing Theater will address key challenges in policing today including digital policing Eric Stuart, Chair of the United Kingdom Crowd Management Association chairs a panel discussion on security as the fourth emergency service. Mike Hurst, Director of the International Foundation for Protection Officers UK & Ireland will cover education and career development for security professionals. Additional seminars will look at other further key issues for the industry including collaboration with the police and all emergency services, crime prevention, body worn video, wellbeing, and mental health, cyber security, retail crime, incident preparedness, and creating safer communities. Five further CPD-accredited seminar theatres at The Emergency Services Show will cover Future Policing, Emerging Technologies, Lessons Learnt, Health & Wellbeing, and the College of Paramedics. The Future Policing Theater will address key challenges in policing today including digital policing, future-proofing the police workforce, cybercrime, and the law enforcement response. Latest innovations and technology The Emerging Technologies Theater will showcase the latest technologies and innovations to improve incident response. The Lessons Learnt Theater will focus on learning from real-life events and how to share best practice, ideas, and innovation. This year’s Emergency Services Show will be the biggest yet with more than 450 exhibitors This year’s Emergency Services Show will be the biggest yet with more than 450 exhibitors. Visitors have the unique opportunity to see, handle and experience the latest innovations and technology, and discuss their individual requirements with suppliers. Leading names exhibiting include: 5.11 Tactical, Audax, Black Rainbow, Blucher, Blue Light Services, Defense and Security Accelerator, Draeger, Heroquip, Halo Technologies, Hexagon, Inventry, Lenco, MSA Safety, Nightsearcher, and Vimpex. Protective clothing and uniforms Among the latest equipment and services for the security sector being showcased are connectivity & communications, cyber security, IT, data management, body-worn video, drones, vehicles and vehicle equipment, protective clothing and uniforms, medical supplies, drug testing, training, and community safety. In the networking hub of the show, The Collaboration Zone, some 80 emergency services, voluntary groups, charities, and NGOs will be sharing details of the support they offer, while members of other partner agencies will be available to discuss co-response and partnership working.