3M, the maker of Post-it, will acquire Scott Safety from Johnson Controls for $2 billion to build up its safety division. This is the second largest acquisition for 3M after its purchase of Capital Safety, a maker of fall protection equipment such as harnesses, lanyards, and self-retracting lifelines, from KKR & Co. for $2.5 billion in 2015.
Scott Safety’s products include respiratory-protection products, thermal-imaging devices, and other products for firefighters and industrial workers. The company will become a part of 3M’s safety division, which accounts for 18% of the company’s sales in 2016 and is the second largest division.
3M is using acquisitions to boost slow growth in the US and to combat industry challenges in the consumer and electronic sector. In 2016, 3M executed a number of acquisitions and divestments as part of its realignment strategy. The company sold its temporary protective films business, safety prescription eyewear business, and pressurized polyurethane foam adhesives business. 3M also purchased Semfinder, a medical coding technology company.
Here are two lessons for leaders who are thinking about company growth.
1. Acquisitions can jumpstart growth.
When organic growth options such as, opening a new store or adding new products, fail to grow revenue significantly, it may be time to look at external growth. Strategic leaders evaluate shifting industry dynamics to anticipate future demand and then use acquisitions to reposition their companies to capture a share of the high-growth market. When completed, the acquisition of Scott Safety will add 1,500 employees, $570 million in revenue, and a slew of products immediately to 3M’s safety division.
2. Acquisition isn’t just about getting bigger.
Acquisition is truly about recalibrating your business and focusing on strategy. Although 3M is acquiring Scott Safety, the company also divested of a number of businesses in 2016 and is paring down from 40 business units to 25.
On the other hand, the seller, Johnson Control is also realigning their business with this divestment. “Consistent with our priority to focus the portfolio on our two core platforms of Buildings and Energy, we continue to execute on our strategic plan.” said Johnson Controls Chairman and CEO Alex Molinaroli.
