Aearo Technologies Inc. · Indianapolis, IN United States

When the sparks fly, it helps to be under the aegis of Aearo Technologies. The company sells personal protection equipment in more than 70 countries under brand names such as AOSafety, E-A-R, Peltor, and SafeWaze. Products include earplugs, goggles, face shields, respirators, hard hats, safety clothing, first-aid kits, and communication headsets. Aearo also sells safety prescription eyewear and makes energy-absorbing foams that control noise, vibration, and shock. Bear Stearns Merchant Banking previously owned a controlling stake in Aearo, which in 2006 was acquired by private equity firm Permira for $765 million. 3M Company acquired Aearo in 2008. To read the full description, subscribe now.