NEW YORK, June 30, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- MSA Security, a leader in high consequence threat protection, today announced it has received an investment from PWP Growth Equity, a private equity fund affiliated with Perella Weinberg Partners that invests in leading growth-oriented, lower middle market  companies.  PWP Growth Equity is partnering with MSA Security CEO Michael O'Neil and his current management team for this transaction.

With a fleet of over 200 explosive detection canines, the SmartTech™ remote X-ray screener support system and a suite of specialized security services, MSA Security, founded in 1987, is the premier provider of explosive device and weapons-of-mass destruction detection services and high-risk intruder countermeasures.

This major new investment from PWP Growth Equity will allow George Harvey, who has been the largest individual shareholder in MSA Security since 2003, to step down from his operational role as Chairman. 

"I am very excited for this next phase of growth for MSA Security, and I look forward to following the continued success of the organization," said George Harvey.

CEO Michael O'Neil commented, "The entire MSA Security team is pleased to partner with PWP Growth Equity.  We have gotten to know the PWP team over the last few months, and we look forward to working with them to continue to grow and expand our services for our world-class clients."

"Over the last few years MSA Security has experienced tremendous growth, and our investment will allow MSA Security to continue to expand its service offerings to an impressive client list of leading private and government customers," said John McKee, Managing Director of PWP Growth Equity.

As part of the investment, David Ferguson and Chip Baird, co-heads of PWP Growth Equity, along with John McKee, will join MSA Security's Board of Directors.  "We look forward to interacting with MSA Security's high-quality leadership team and supporting them in their future expansion," stated Dave Ferguson.  Chip Baird commented, "We are very pleased to be partnering with MSA Security and supporting them during this critical stage of the company's growth."

About MSA Security

MSA Security is an industry leader in high consequence threat protection and specialized training for corporate and government clients. The MSA Security team is comprised of security professionals with diverse backgrounds in law enforcement, elite military units, and the private sector working together to provide unparalleled explosives detection, consulting, training, and perimeter security services. MSA Security combines hands-on expertise with information and technology to minimize our clients' vulnerabilities to foreseeable threats. More information is available at www.msasecurity.net.

About PWP Growth Equity

PWP Growth Equity is a $600 million private equity fund affiliated with Perella Weinberg Partners Capital Management LP.  PWP Growth Equity is focused on growth-oriented, lower middle market companies, primarily in the United States, across the consumer, services, and industrial sectors. PWP Growth Equity seeks to partner with existing owners and management teams, providing both capital and experience in a tailored and flexible structure, to support the growth plans and visions for value creation.

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SOURCE MSA Security

Related Links

http://www.msasecurity.net