MSA Safety acquires Alle-Kiski Valley-based Bacharach in $337M deal

Brian C. Rittmeyer, The Valley News-Dispatch, Tarentum, Pa.
·2 min read

May 28—Global safety equipment maker MSA Safety is expanding its gas detection business with the $337 million acquisition of Alle-Kiski Valley-­based Bacharach, the companies announced.

MSA, headquartered in Cranberry, plans to complete the acquisition of Bacharach and its affiliated companies from FFL Partners, a San Francisco-based private equity firm, in early July.

Bacharach, which deals in gas detection technologies used in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration markets, is located in the Westmoreland Business & Research Park in Upper Burrell and Washington townships. Previously, it was in the RIDC Industrial Park in O'Hara.

When asked how the acquisition might affect jobs at Bacharach, MSA Safety spokesman Mark Deasy said the deal was still in the early stages but added any decisions would focus on growth.

"Our focus will be on maintaining business continuity and gaining a better understanding of the Bacharach business," Deasy said. "As we go through the integration process in the months ahead, we see excellent opportunities for growth arising from our combined organizations."

Founded in 1909, Bacharach has annual revenue of about $70 million. It employs 200 people across four locations in the United States, Canada and Ireland. Its gas detection and analysis products are used to detect, measure and analyze leaks of various gases commonly found in commercial and industrial settings.

Established in 1914, MSA employs about 5,000 people worldwide and had $1.35 billion in revenue in 2020. It has manufacturing operations in the United States, Europe, Asia and Latin America and more than 40 international locations.

MSA develops, manufactures and supplies safety products used in the oil, gas and petrochemical industry, fire service, construction, mining and the military. Its core products include self-contained breathing apparatuses, fixed gas and flame detection systems, portable gas detection instruments, industrial head protection products, firefighter helmets and protective apparel and fall-protection devices.

MSA is adding Bacharach to its detection brands, which include General Monitors, Senscient and Sierra Monitor.

MSA's gas detection manufacturing center and Bacharach's headquarters are both in suburban Pittsburgh area.

"The acquisition of Bacharach is an exciting opportunity to add further resilience in our gas detection portfolio," said Kevin Krause, MSA senior vice president and chief financial officer. "The company's complementary technology and manufacturing processes also provide an opportunity to enhance productivity across a number of areas."

Bacharach CEO Matthew Toone called the acquisition "a great match for both Bacharach and for MSA."

Brian C. Rittmeyer is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Brian at 724-226-4701, brittmeyer@triblive.com or via Twitter .