Christian Dalloz, St. Claude, France, safety equipment manufacturer, purchased Fendall Co., headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill.
Fendall, a world leader in portable emergency eyewash stations, forecasts revenues of $10 million in 2000.
The Fendall brand product offering will compliment Dalloz Eye Protection group.
Christian Dalloz plans to increase Fendall''s exposure to distributor partners within North America and help to expand business internationally.
Claude Balleyguier, chief executive officer, Christian Dalloz, explained, "The acquisition of Fendall Co. demonstrates our commitment to strengthen our presence in the North American personal protection market -- already highlighted by the ''Takin'' it to the Streets'' campaign launched earlier this year."
The newly acquired organization will operate under the direction of Roger Gehring, president of Dalloz Safety Inc.
Bob Hurley remains president of Fendall and will report to Gehring.
"Christian Dalloz has a tradition of smooth integration of acquisitions. We are a perfect fit in their product line and should benefit from their global presence in world markets. These three factors played a key role in our decision," said Bob Hurley.
Fendall employs 45 employees occupying the Sales and Administration office in Arlington Heights, Ill., and the manufacturing facility in Platteville, Wis.
by Virginia Sutcliffe