Viking Corporation, which is known for its fire sprinkler and suppression systems, is selling the assets of its subsidiary Viking Electronic Services to the U.S. subsidiary of Kentec Electronics.
Viking Electronic Services was formed in 2001 and developed the Viking line of eLAN fire alarm systems. Kentec Electronics, which is buying Viking's fire panels division via its own newly created subsidiary VES LLC, is a top UK-based maker of fire alarm control panel systems.
According to Tom Groos, Viking’s chairman, the Viking fire alarm panel division was started initially to suppor the company's independent fire sprinkler contractors, but the business expanded beyond Viking's initial focus.
"As Viking Electronic Services developed and grew its line of eLAN engineered fire alarm systems, its success took it in a different business direction from that of Viking and Viking’s core sprinkler and suppression businesses," said Groos. "It was then decided to look for a progressive organization with the technical expertise to continue with what has been developed, expand further on the technology and take it to the next level."
Kentec has apparently been closely involved with Viking Electronic Services' eLAN systems for years now and was a good fit for Kentec's VES dealer network.
"When matched with Kentec’s comprehensive range of conventional, analog addressable fire detection and extinguishing releasing panels this acquisition provides Kentec and VES with a set of fantastic new opportunities and synergies," said Ray King, the managing director of Kentec. "By combining the engineering and development resources, we now have the ability to provide both VES and Kentec customers with more innovative new products and to get them to market faster. In addition, we will be able to market the eLAN fire alarm system with its UL listings and FM approvals to other world markets. In the US, we are committed to maintaining and expanding the strong dealer network that has been developed and are excited about the wide range of additional products and services we will be able to offer these dealers. I am looking forward to meeting and talking further with the dealers over the next few weeks."
VES will stay headquartered in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, where Viking Electronic Services has been based. The purchase price for the Viking Electronic Services assets was not disclosed.
More info:
Kentec is online at www.kentec.co.uk
