Cranberry Township-based MSA Safety Inc. expanded its European presence with the purchase of a U.K. fire safety equipment manufacturer.

MSA announced Monday its acquisition of Bristol Uniforms in a $60 million, all-cash transaction.

Based in the U.K., Bristol provides protective apparel to fire and rescue services, with an annual revenue of roughly $40 million.

Bristol, founded in 1801, employs about 200 people across four locations in the U.K. “Helping to keep firefighters safe has been a long-standing element of the MSA mission,” said Nish Vartanian, MSA chairman, president and CEO. “The acquisition of Bristol advances that mission as well as our growth strategy to protect firefighters from head to toe with the very best in safety technology.”

MSA described Bristol as having “earned a reputation for providing high quality turnout gear that combines innovative designs with advanced materials.”

Bristol also manufactures flame retardant, waterproof and other material for the utility industries, marketed under the Bell Apparel brand.

The Cranberry company posted a 2019 profit of more than $630 million, according to filings with the federal Securities and Exchange Commission.

In 2017, MSA acquired Globe Manufacturing, which produces turnout gear in the United States.

Bristol and Globe have each added to MSA's brands. The brands include Gallet Firefighter Helmets, the M1 and G1 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus range and Cairns Helmets.

“Bringing Bristol under the MSA umbrella builds on our 2017 acquisition of U.S. turnout gear leader Globe, while adding another defensive element to our portfolio and providing us with an opportunity to expand MSA's addressable market in the international segment,” said MSA senior Vice President and CFO Ken Krause. “With MSA's global reach and Bristol's strong brand equity, we're confident in our ability to reach key geographic markets and make the Bristol brand even more successful.”

MSA stock on Monday slightly increased, from $163.08 per share at opening to $163.27 at closing. The company expects Bristol to overcome its acquisition costs within three years, and more immediately expects acquisition-related accretion of 3 to 5 cents per share within 12 months, exclusive of acquisition-related amortization.