PPE major player Bacou-Dalloz announced June 20 it is changing its name to Sperian Protection. The name change is subject to shareholders' approval at a meeting on July 26.

"Following a very satisfying year in 2006, this new identity constitutes a major driver for our growth, helping us to achieve our target of becoming undisputed world number one in our sector by 2009," Henri-Dominique Petit, Bacou-Dalloz' chairman, said in a statement.

As a symbol of the company's strategy of international expansion, Sperian will be the umbrella brand name bringing together the entire brand portfolio, according to a company statement. Sperian also reflects the company's desire to adopt effective advertising and marketing tools in order to consolidate its market position.

Bacou-Dalloz brands familiar to safety gear buyers in the U.S. include uvex, Howard Leight, Survivair, Perfect Fit, Miller Fall Protection, Willson, Bilsom, Fendall, Titmus, and Biosystems.

Explained Petit: “In order to inaugurate a new stage in our history, reflect our new scope and assert our ambitions as a Group, Bacou-Dalloz is changing its name to Sperian Protection. Chosen to carry our values to the highest level and illustrate the unity of all those who work for the Group, Sperian is intended to symbolize the optimum quality of our products, advice and services.”

The name Sperian evokes both the expertise of a Group specialized in the protection of people at work and the relationship of trust between a worker and his equipment, as well as between the Group and its customers, the company said in a statement.

In addition, the Group made two major announcements this spring: the acquisition of Norwegian company Nacre AS, specializing in intelligent earplugs, and the opening of a new decontamination suit production plant in France.