MSA Safety Acquires Leak Detection Company

U.S. safety equipment manufacturer MSA Safety has acquired HVAC&R leak detection equipment and technology provider Bacharach Inc, the company announced in a statement on May 24.

The acquisition will see Pennsylvania-based MSA Safety, expand its gas detection business, in a deal valued at US$337million, according to the statement. Bacharch is also based in Pennsylvania, with both MSA's gas detection manufacturing Center of Excellence and Bacharach's headquarters located in the greater Pittsburgh area.

Bacharach’s portfolio of gas detection and analysis products are used to detect, measure and analyze leaks of various gases that are commonly used in both commercial and industrial refrigeration, including CO₂ and ammonia Bacharach has customers in the HVAC, automotive, commercial and industrial refrigeration, and military markets.

"The acquisition of Bacharach accelerates our long-term growth strategy to expand our addressable market in applications that align with MSA's mission and core technologies," said Nish Vartanian, MSA Chairman, President and CEO.  "With [one of the] leading detection portfolios and strong brand, Bacharach provides access to attractive end markets while aligning well with MSA's product and manufacturing expertise." 

MSA Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Ken Krause will serve as the Executive Sponsor of the acquisition. Krause will oversee the Bacharach integration process and work to ensure acquisition synergies are achieved. "The acquisition of Bacharach is an exciting opportunity to add further resilience in our gas detection portfolio," he said.

Matthew Toone, Bacharach CEO added, "MSA's global reach will play a significant role in driving future growth for Bacharach.  With complementary technology, similar missions and a like-minded stance on sustainability and the environment, we see this acquisition as a great match for both Bacharach and MSA."

The detection brands of MSA, which include General Monitors, Senscient, Sierra Monitor, and now Bacharach, represent more than 300 combined years of gas detection innovation, aimed at protecting the health and safety of people and facility infrastructures around the world.