By D.E.Levine
United Technologies Corp. (UTC) is acquiring GE Security for $1.82 billion. Included in the purchase are eight manufacturing facilities and 4,700 employees. It also includes the GE fire alarm business which is based largely on the acquisition of Edwards Systems Technology made for $1.4 billion in 2004.
GE already sold 81% of its "homeland protection" business unit to French company SAF-RAN in April 2009 and it previously sold its Edwards Service Unit to to Atlanta-based Carter Brothers in March 2007.
UTC is making significant acquisitions in the security business area. The acquisition of GE Security is expected to strengthen the existing security and fire businesses in North America.
