MSA Europe Agrees to Acquire Tecbos GmbH – Enhanced Strength in Safety Related Software Solutions

MSA Europe has reached an agreement to acquire TecBOS GmbH, a leading developer of software solutions for the fire service and other emergency planning organisations. The transaction is expected to be completed early in 2008.

With this acquisition, MSA will further strengthen its presence in the
fire service and emergency responder market by adding complementary
software solutions packages, such as the new TecBOS. Command II Incident Management suite, to an already strong product line which includes self-contained breathing apparatus [SCBA], thermal imaging cameras, portable gas detectors and fire helmets. TecBOS.solutions software is already an integral element of many MSA hardware products such as the alpha Personal Network telemetry system for SCBA wearers and ProfiCHECK automated SCBA test benches. TecBOS GmbH will continue to operate from its current location in Halstenbeck, near Hamburg Germany, and will become part of MSA Europe.

Since 2003, MSA and TecBOS have enjoyed a strong partnership focused on developing solutions for public safety organisations. MSA has been the exclusive sales outlet for TecBOS.solutions software – a modular package used for on-site management and reporting of major incidents such as fires, traffic accidents, industrial plant emergencies and public events. The software also includes administrative and personnel management tools and a complete workshop and test equipment control package for managing all aspects of workshop operations, from scheduling planned maintenance to spare parts inventory control.

Dr. Stefan Zloczysti, Director of Marketing MSA EUROPE, said the acquisition will give MSA new means to expand its business in the important Fire Service and Emergency Planning segment. "Trends in
the First Responder and Emergency Planning segments call for greater integration and communication between the actual personnel involved in emergency incidents and those involved in the planning, execution
and reporting procedures used by these organisations. This leads to an increased need for common software solutions," he said. "MSA is in a strong position to capitalize on this trend by providing such software and combining this capability with our unique and innovative core products such as SCBA, telemetric systems, test equipment and services – all of which further enhance MSA’s position as a leading innovator and
provider of Integrated Safety Solutions."

“When you combine TecBOS’s highly skilled programming and developing resources with MSA’s intimate product and market knowledge, technology and manufacturing expertise, the acquisition is a perfect fit that creates broad benefits for our customers and our employees,” said Sascha Pomp, Managing Director of TecBOS GmbH.