Growing through deals

September 1, 2010 at 1:39AM

3M has beefed up its safety and security division through acquisitions in recent years, including two announced this week.

2006

• Aerion Technologies Inc., a Denver provider of environmental monitoring products including gas detection systems.

• Security Printing and Systems Ltd., a British producer of finished, personalized passports and secure cards.

• The safety business of POMP Medical and Occupational Health Products, a Brazilian provider of products such as earplugs and eyewear.

2007

• Rochford Thompson Equipment Ltd., a British manufacturer of optical character recognition passport readers used by airlines and immigration authorities.

• E Wood Holdings PLC, a British manufacturer of protective coatings for oil, gas, water, rail and automotive industries, for $78 million.

2008

• Aearo Technologies Inc., an Indianapolis eye, hearing and fall protection company, for $1.2 billion.

• Quest Technologies Inc., an Oconomowoc , Wis., manufacturer of environmental monitoring equipment, including noise, heat-stress and vibration monitors.

2010

• Dailys Ltd., a British supplier of disposable protective clothing.

• *Cogent Inc. a Pasadena, Calif., maker of fingerprint identification and face recognition systems, for $943 million.

• *Attenti Holdings SA, an Israeli producer of electronic tracking devices, for $230 million.

*Proposed transactions not yet completed

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