United Technologies Puts Brakes on Selling Chubb Unit

UTC halted the sale of its fire-safety and security business due to recent market volatility, deciding to focus instead on its portfolio separation plans.

FARMINGTON, Conn. — United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) has halted the sale of its Chubb fire-safety and security business because of recent market volatility.

The industrial conglomerate plans to instead focus on its portfolio separation plans, Bloomberg reports. UTC had not previously detailed its sale plans for the business.

The sale plans stalled after bids from prospective buyers — including private equity firms Apax Partners, PAI Partners and Eurazeo SE — came in below UTC’s expectations. UTC was seeking about $3 billion for the asset.

Chubb is a leading global provider of fire safety and security solutions for an array of vertical markets, including banking and finance, commercial and offices, education, government, healthcare and more. The fire safety business  brands include Fireye and Kidde, among others.

Chubb was acquired by UTC for about $1 billion in 2003, and is now part of the company’s Climate, Controls & Security (CSS) division.

In November, UTC announced it would spin off its Otis elevator division and Carrier building systems business to focus solely on aviation, led by jet engine maker Pratt & Whitney and newly acquired parts maker Rockwell Collins.

The company said the Otis and CCS businesses will become independent companies, and CCS will be renamed Carrier.

Following the portfolio separation, UTC will operate as a leading aerospace company comprised of Collins Aerospace Systems and Pratt & Whitney businesses, according to the company.

UTC CEO Greg Hayes announced the separation plan in November after months of pressure from activist shareholders, Third Point’s Dan Loeb and Pershing Square Capital Management’s Bill Ackman.

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Although Bosch’s name is quite familiar to those in the security industry, his previous experience has been in daily newspaper journalism. Prior to joining SECURITY SALES & INTEGRATION in 2006, he spent 15 years with the Los Angeles Times, where he performed a wide assortment of editorial responsibilities, including feature and metro department assignments as well as content producing for latimes.com. Bosch is a graduate of California State University, Fresno with a degree in Mass Communication & Journalism. In 2007, he successfully completed the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association’s National Training School coursework to become a Certified Level I Alarm Technician.

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