Business News

Kimberly-Clark Acquires Safety Products Company

Wednesday 15. April 2009 - Acquisition of Jackson Products, Inc. Will Add to K-C Professional's Strength in Growing Safety Market

Leading Brands, Diverse Product Range Expands Company’s Safety Portfolio in North America & Europe; Accelerates Growth in Developing & Emerging Regions

Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NYSE: KMB) announced today that it has acquired Jackson Products, Inc., a privately held safety products company headquartered in Fenton, Mo. Jackson Products, Inc., more commonly known within the industry as Jackson Safety, is a leading provider of welding safety products, personal protective equipment and work zone safety products.

“The acquisition of Jackson Safety is consistent with our global business plan strategy to accelerate growth of high-margin workplace solutions,” said Jan Spencer, president of Kimberly-Clark Professional. “Jackson Safety brings a wealth of strengths to Kimberly-Clark’s Professional business, including an outstanding product portfolio and a highly experienced sales force. It enables us to focus resources more effectively by increasing sales and marketing manpower to support growth in safety while at the same time dedicating other teams that will help us sustain our leadership position and grow our traditional washroom and wiper businesses.”

Tom Burns, current president and CEO of Jackson Safety said, “Jackson Safety is an excellent fit with Kimberly-Clark Professional, as our products are complementary to Kimberly-Clark’s current safety business. I’m excited about this combination because it improves our prospects for growth in the U.S., Europe and emerging markets around the world.”

Burns will continue to lead this business as a division of Kimberly-Clark Professional. Jackson Safety was founded in 1933 and has approximately 400 employees.

Baker Botts L.L.P. served as outside legal counsel to Kimberly-Clark, while Jackson Products was advised by Houlihan Lokey as exclusive financial advisor and Willkie Farr & Gallagher, L.L.P., as legal counsel.