Cooper Industries Announces Three Acquisitions

DUBLIN, Jan. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Cooper Industries plc (NYSE:CBE) today announced the acquisitions of Changzhou Yuhua Electrical Equipment Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Yuhua); Blinda Industria e Comercio Ltda (Blinda); and GE's Industrial Systems British Standard fuse-link product portfolio.  Combined sales for the three companies in 2011 will be approximately $36 million and the combined purchase price is approximately $56 million.

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Yuhua specializes in the research, development, and production of explosion-proof CCTV systems and explosion-proof communication systems certified for use in onshore and offshore oil and gas, marine, mining, and petrochemical markets.  Located in Changzhou, China, Yuhua joins the Cooper Safety division.  Blinda, based in Campinas, Brazil, manufactures highly-specified explosion-proof products such as lighting and panel boards for oil and gas markets in Brazil.  Blinda is now part of the Cooper Crouse-Hinds division.  Cooper Bussmann has acquired the British Standard fuse-link product portfolio from GE Industrial Systems, which strengthens Bussmann's over-current circuit protection portfolio globally, especially in India and Australia.

"The acquisitions of Yuhua, Blinda, and GE's British Standard fuse-link product portfolio enhance our presence in higher-growth emerging markets with additional technology and capability.  We continue to demonstrate our commitment to the oil and gas space, having now completed 12 acquisitions serving that market vertical in the last 6 years.  Along with Cooper's acquisition of HERNIS Scan Systems last year, Cooper now provides the industry leading capability, geographic footprint, and portfolio in explosion-proof CCTV systems for harsh and hazardous environments.  Although small, Yuhua and Blinda are leading brands in China and Brazil, respectively, and are strategic fits within Cooper's global-leading portfolio of explosion-proof electrical products for harsh and hazardous environments," said Cooper Industries Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Kirk S. Hachigian.

"Cooper has an exceptionally strong balance sheet and continues to maintain a focused and disciplined acquisition strategy," said Hachigian. "We remain committed to building key business and technology platforms that provide substantial growth in more specification-driven end markets."

About Cooper Safety

Cooper Safety is a leading manufacturer of emergency lighting, security, fire detection and notification systems, also offering lighting fixtures and electrical installation materials.  Our well-known brands and products can be found in a variety of industrial, commercial, and domestic settings providing protection to both life and property by offering fire and security detection and escape route illumination in the event of an emergency.

About Cooper Crouse-Hinds

Headquartered in Syracuse, N.Y., Cooper Crouse-Hinds integrates a comprehensive line of electrical and instrumentation products with expert support, industry insights and local availability to improve safety and productivity in the most demanding industrial and commercial environments worldwide.  Cooper Crouse-Hinds manufactures over 100,000 products, including conduit and cable fittings; enclosures; plugs and receptacles; industrial lighting fixtures; signals and alarms; controls and electrical apparatus; commercial outlet boxes and hubs; and electronic components and protection equipment for process control branded MTL Instruments Group.  Cooper Crouse-Hinds products are sold worldwide and meet all local and international code requirements.  They are used in general construction or in harsh and hazardous environments across the globe, performing to the highest standard of safety and reliability.

About Cooper Bussmann

Cooper Bussmann, the industry leader in critical circuit protection, power management and electrical safety, is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri.  The company is committed to the development, manufacturing and marketing of innovative circuit and power electronics protection and power management products; and provides engineering, training and testing services globally for the electrical, electronics and transportation industries.  The company provides superior brands, including Cooper Bussmann® circuit protection products and services, Coiltronics® magnetics, and OMNEX Trusted Wireless® systems.  Additional information about Cooper Bussmann is available online at http://www.cooperbussmann.com.

About Cooper Industries

Cooper Industries plc (NYSE: CBE) is a global electrical products manufacturer with 2010 revenues of $5.1 billion.  Founded in 1833, Cooper's sustained success is attributable to a constant focus on innovation, evolving business practices while maintaining the highest ethical standards, and meeting customer needs.  The Company has seven operating divisions with leading market positions and world-class products and brands including: Bussmann electrical and electronic fuses; Crouse-Hinds and CEAG explosion-proof electrical equipment; Halo and Metalux lighting fixtures; and Kyle and McGraw-Edison power systems products.  With this broad range of products, Cooper is uniquely positioned for several long-term growth trends including the global infrastructure build-out, the need to improve the reliability and productivity of the electric grid, the demand for higher energy-efficient products and the need for improved electrical safety.  In 2010 fifty-nine percent of total sales were to customers in the industrial and utility end-markets and thirty-nine percent of total sales were to customers outside the United States.  Cooper has manufacturing facilities in 23 countries as of 2011.  For more information, visit the website at www.cooperindustries.com.

For information contact:
Kyle McClure
Director, Treasury and Investor Relations
Cooper Industries
713-209-8631
[email protected]

SOURCE Cooper Industries plc