Sperian Protection Acquires Musitani, Reinforces Position in Latin America

Paris, France, January 01, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Sperian Protection announces today that it has acquired Musitani S.A., the market leader in fall protection in Argentina.

This acquisition perfectly fits the Group’s strategy to expand its presence in developing markets. Sperian, adding this to already existing manufacturing and distribution operations in Mexico and Brazil, greatly expands its penetration into this growing market.

Musitani has a leading position in South America in the sale and manufacture of fall protection products, such as harnesses, lanyards, retractables, turnkey height access solutions and material handling equipment.

Musitani has been growing consistently at double digit rates and at 30% in 2008. The company has operations in Buenos Aires and employs approximately 130 people.

Henri-Dominique Petit, Chairman and CEO of Sperian Protection stated: “This deal boosts Sperian’s position in Latin America and strengthens our world leading position in fall protection. Musitani will be the beachhead for the Group in Argentina.“

The acquisition of Musitani, another leading company in the safety at height market, comes just two months after closing on another leading height safety business by Sperian - Combisafe AB on September 16, 2008.

About Sperian Protection
With nearly 6000 employees worldwide, Sperian Protection is resolutely geared towards international markets. The world leader in personal protective equipment (hearing, eye, respiratory and fall protection, gloves, clothing and footwear), the Group offers innovative products adapted to high-risk environments so that workers in the manufacturing and services industries can work with confidence.

Sperian Protection is listed on Euronext’s Eurolist and on the SBF120. It is eligible for the SRD deferred settlement.

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