Key Takeaways
- • KKR has agreed to acquire the Explosion Protection and Static Control segments from HOERBIGER, comprising the majority of HOERBIGER's Safety Business Unit, namely IEP Technologies and Newson Gale, according to a Business Wire release.
- • The acquisition is being made through KKR's Global Impact Strategy, which targets investments where financial performance and societal impact are intrinsically aligned.
- • Financial terms were not disclosed, and the transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2027, subject to customary conditions including regulatory approvals.
- • KKR plans to support a broad-based employee ownership program for all IEP and Newson Gale employees following closing.
- • HOERBIGER will retain its Engine & Generators segment, which will be integrated into its Compression Division.
Summary
KKR, the New York-based global investment firm, announced on October 22, 2026 that it has agreed to acquire the Explosion Protection and Static Control segments from HOERBIGER, the Switzerland-headquartered diversified technology company. The transaction comprises the majority of HOERBIGER's Safety Business Unit, specifically IEP Technologies ("IEP") and Newson Gale, which the release describes as two established providers of industrial safety solutions.
IEP Technologies provides engineered systems that prevent or mitigate explosions caused by combustible dust, vapors and sparks across industries including food, chemicals, wood processing and energy. Newson Gale supplies static grounding and bonding solutions that help prevent explosions caused by electrostatic ignition. According to the announcement, the two businesses together have an established global presence, and KKR sees significant opportunities to build on that foundation and support the next phase of growth.
KKR is making the investment through its Global Impact Strategy. Kyle Matter, Managing Director and Head of North America Global Impact at KKR, said the team's deep technical expertise and commitment to customers impressed the firm, and that KKR sees meaningful opportunities to invest in new capabilities and expansion following closing.
HOERBIGER framed the divestiture as an important step in the evolution of its portfolio. Thorsten Kahlert, CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board, said the sale will allow HOERBIGER to focus more closely on its core businesses and future growth opportunities. Randy Davis, Head of HOERBIGER's Safety Business Unit, said the businesses will gain additional resources to develop their expertise. HOERBIGER will retain its Engine & Generators segment, which supplies explosion relief valves for engines and generators and will be integrated into its Compression Division.
The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2027, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. Financial terms were not disclosed. KKR also plans to support a broad-based employee ownership program giving all IEP and Newson Gale employees the opportunity to participate in future growth.
IEP Technologies provides engineered systems that prevent or mitigate explosions caused by combustible dust, vapors and sparks across industries including food, chemicals, wood processing and energy. Newson Gale supplies static grounding and bonding solutions that help prevent explosions caused by electrostatic ignition. According to the announcement, the two businesses together have an established global presence, and KKR sees significant opportunities to build on that foundation and support the next phase of growth.
KKR is making the investment through its Global Impact Strategy. Kyle Matter, Managing Director and Head of North America Global Impact at KKR, said the team's deep technical expertise and commitment to customers impressed the firm, and that KKR sees meaningful opportunities to invest in new capabilities and expansion following closing.
HOERBIGER framed the divestiture as an important step in the evolution of its portfolio. Thorsten Kahlert, CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board, said the sale will allow HOERBIGER to focus more closely on its core businesses and future growth opportunities. Randy Davis, Head of HOERBIGER's Safety Business Unit, said the businesses will gain additional resources to develop their expertise. HOERBIGER will retain its Engine & Generators segment, which supplies explosion relief valves for engines and generators and will be integrated into its Compression Division.
The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2027, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. Financial terms were not disclosed. KKR also plans to support a broad-based employee ownership program giving all IEP and Newson Gale employees the opportunity to participate in future growth.
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