3M to Acquire Aerion Technologies Inc.; Acquisition of Gas Detection Systems Expands 3M Safety Product Line

This acquisition broadens 3M's spectrum of safety products - fordetection and protection to compliance - and expands its presence ingas detection and the safety market. Aerion brings to 3M a line ofportable and fixed gas detection equipment for commercial andindustrial applications; heat stress monitors; and a thermal imagingcamera line. Its brands include Aim portable gas detectors, Macurcocarbon monoxide monitors, and FireFLIR thermal imaging cameras.

Complementary acquisitions such as this support both 3M's corebusiness and growth strategy to expand into adjacent markets."Combined with 3M's well-developed and established industrial andpersonal protective equipment, our global distribution channels, andour strong reputation in respiratory protection, Aerion will supportgrowth by adding gas detection for environmental monitoring," saidMike Kelly, division vice president, 3M Occupational Health andEnvironmental Safety Division.

"Aerion complements 3M's strong technical capability for futureproduct development, while 3M's global infrastructure increases thepossibilities for sales of Aerion's products beyond our currentreach," said Mike Strandell, CEO, Aerion Technologies Inc.

3M is a global leader in supplying workplace protection with afull line of maintenance-free and reusable filtering facepiece andelastomeric facepiece respirators; supplied and powered air purifyingrespiratory systems; hearing protection products; air monitoringsystems; and sorbent materials.

Aerion employs approximately 53 people between its operations inDenver and Vancouver, B.C. The acquisition is expected to close thismonth subject to customary closing conditions.

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