UTC Fire & Security Acquires U.K.’s
Largest Independent Fixed Fire Protection Business

FARMINGTON, Conn., March. 9, 2007 – UTC Fire & Security, the global fire safety and security services business unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX), today announced it has acquired the privately held, U.K. based SFS Fire Services Limited. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

SFS, which sells products primarily under the Hall & Kay and Central Fire Protection brands, is the largest independent sprinkler contractor in the U.K. with a strong presence in the retail sector.  The company, owned by Barclays Ventures and management, employs 330 people in the U.K. with sites in Birmingham, Bristol, Glasgow, Manchester, Portsmouth, Ware, Warrington and Windsor.

 “This acquisition complements our strong Chubb and Kidde brands where we have good positions in fire detection and alarm, fixed and portable fire suppression and firefighting equipment,” said Bill Brown, President, UTC Fire & Security.

 “Water suppression systems are a growing and important segment in fire safety because they reduce risk of injury and damage to property and the environment.  This has resulted in proposed legislation in the U.K. to mandate the use of sprinklers in schools, hotels and residential care facilities,” said Brown.

In 2005, Barclays Ventures backed the management to purchase the business via a management buyout.  Since then the business has grown significantly. 

“The SFS brands have an excellent reputation with customers and a strong management team who will remain with UTC Fire & Security.  Under the leadership of Simon Quillish the company has achieved double digit growth rates and improved profitability.  This acquisition positions us well for further growth in the fire safety industry,” said Brown.

Simon Quillish, Managing Director SFS, said: “The acquisition of the company by UTC Fire & Security has the full support of the management team, and we are delighted to now be part of such a respected major international fire protection company.

“We firmly believe that as part of UTC Fire & Security we can enhance the range of products and services we can offer our clients, whilst providing additional career opportunities and benefits for all our valued employees.”

UTC Fire & Security provides fire safety and security solutions to more than one million customers worldwide. Headquartered in Farmington, Conn., USA, UTC Fire & Security is a business unit of United Technologies Corp. which provides high technology products and services to the building and aerospace industries worldwide.

Contact: 

U.S. Media Inquiries
Kimberly Reidy
(860) 284 3094
kimberly.reidy@fs.utc.com

U.K. Media Inquiries
Simon Quillish
simon.quillish@hkfire.co.uk