Halma buys Australia's Ampac to expand in fire detection

Halma has agreed to buy Ampac Group, an Australian maker of fire detection systems, for A$135m (£74m) in cash.

The FTSE 100 safety and protection company said the deal was part of its strategy to buy companies it works with to accelerate growth in fire detection markets. Ampac trades in Australia, New Zealand and the UK.

Halma will buy Perth-based Ampac on a cash and debt-free basis from its existing funds. The transaction is expected to complete by no later than mid-August.

Andrew Williams, Halma's chief executive, said: "This is an exciting acquisition that extends our geographic footprint and strengthens the intellectual property of our fire detection businesses. Ampac brings a strong brand, robust technology and well-established routes to market, and has been a partner for our business for several decades."

Williams said the Ampac deal was a further example of Halma acquiring regional partners to speed up growth in certain markets. Halma bought Limotec in Belgium in 2018 and the UK's Advanced Electronics in 2014.

Halma's business spans infrastructure safety, process safety, environmental and analysis and medical divisions. Ampac's management team will stay with the business.