Betafence Accelerates International Growth Strategy With Acquisition of Hesco

LEEDS, England and GHENT, Belgium, March 3, 2016 /CNW/ - Betafence, the global perimeter security specialist, announces the acquisition of Hesco, a leader and innovator in the design and manufacture of rapidly deployable barrier systems. This acquisition underpins an acceleration of Betafence's high security growth strategy, building on the recent acquisition of SecureUSA and the intellectual property rights agreement with Gibraltar US.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160223/336321)

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Hesco is recognized internationally as an iconic brand synonymous with force protection; securing assets and protecting people. It specializes in rapidly deployable perimeter protection, safe haven bunkers and ballistic resistant body armor for the defense, energy and law enforcement sectors, supplying customers including the U.S. Army, United Arab Emirates Land Forces, United Nations and U.K. Ministry of Defense.

Hesco will enhance the Betafence product portfolio, strengthen its integrated solutions approach and expand its global footprint, specifically in the US and the Middle East. Hesco has been an established partner of Betafence for a number of years and, following this transaction, will operate as a stand-alone subsidiary of Betafence, led by Michael Hughes.

By integrating its perimeter security products with industry-leading technologies and project management services, Betafence delivers turnkey total perimeter solutions for critical infrastructure, protecting assets and operations. These solutions are designed to meet the demanding requirements of customers across the globe such as Aramco, Statoil, Pepco, Shell, NATO, NASA, US Department of Homeland Security, US Department of Defense and borders such as the frontier between the US and Mexico.

Michele Volpi, CEO of Betafence Group, commented: 

"We are delighted to acquire such a renowned business as Hesco. Today's deal underpins Betafence's accelerated international growth strategy to provide global protection solutions to secure assets and protect people. Hesco has an excellent track record with international customers in the Defense, Oil & Gas and Energy sectors, particularly in the US and the Middle East.

"Both Betafence and Hesco are dynamic players in a market facing a growing global need for comprehensive security solutions for critical assets. There is a significant opportunity for Betafence to address this demand and strengthen our position across the global High Security market, both organically and through further acquisitions."

Michael Hughes, Hesco Group Chief Executive, said:    

"This is an exciting opportunity for Hesco. Our partnership with Betafence will enable us to accelerate Hesco's development and we will immediately add significant value to Betafence's provision of solutions for high security perimeter protection around the world. There are numerous opportunities for collaboration in our key markets and we believe that being part of the Betafence Group will help ensure continued future success for our employees, customers and suppliers."

This transaction is subject to regulatory approval.

Please visit http://www.betafencehesco.com, for further information about the transaction.

About Betafence  

Betafence (http://www.betafence.com) is a world market leader of integrated perimeter security systems and solutions.

Betafence protects critical infrastructure & sensitive sites in the public and industrial sectors as well as in the residential market. With over 130 years' experience, Betafence sets standards of excellence in its industry and is recognised as leader in perimeter systems, service and integration.

Betafence has a strong brand heritage with companies including SecureUSA and products like TerraBlock®, Blastguard, Securifor®, Guardian®, Bekasecure® and Nylofor®.

CVC Capital Partners owns a majority stake in Betafence. The company currently employs 1400 people with 9 production sites and a network of sales offices throughout the world. Headquarters are located in Belgium.

About Hesco Group 

Hesco (http://www.hesco.com) is a world leader and innovator in defense, perimeter protection and security systems, including defensive barriers, flood barriers, rapid deployment systems, safe haven bunkers and ballistic resistant body armor.

Founded in 1991 by the late Jimi Heselden OBE, Hesco engineers products across the world that inspire confidence for multiple uses in military, security and environmental applications.

Hesco is synonymous with force protection and is recognized across its industry for its commitment to saving lives, property and the environment, whenever and wherever it is needed.

Hesco currently employs over 150 people around the world, with over 500,000 sq ft across its operations in the UK and the US and further storage facilities in the Dubai Free Trade Zone.

SOURCE Betafence