3M Acquires Hybrivet Systems Inc.

ST. PAUL, Minn.--()--3M announced today it has acquired Hybrivet Systems Inc., a leading provider of instant-read products to detect lead and other contaminants and toxins. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Hybrivet Systems’ flagship product is LeadCheck® Swabs, which is widely recognized as the fastest, easiest, most cost-effective lead detection product on the market. The LeadCheck brand has been at the forefront of lead detection and awareness since 1991.

The addition of Hybrivet Systems provides 3M immediate access to the potentially large market for testing paints for lead in older houses and commercial buildings to meet new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lead-safe work practices regulations. LeadCheck® was the first EPA recognized instant test kit under the Renovation, Repair and Painting rule that went into effect April 20, 2010.

“The LeadCheck products complement and build on our paint preparation, tape and safety businesses and broaden our product offerings in the paint aisle,” said Jack Truong, vice president and general manager, 3M Construction and Home Improvement Markets Division.

Hybrivet Systems is based in Natick, Mass. and employs 11 people.

About Hybrivet Systems Inc.
Founded in 1987 by Marcia Stone, PhD, Hybrivet Systems Inc. is passionately dedicated to protecting the public from contaminants and toxins by offering a series of instant-read detection products. Recognized by the EPA, LeadCheck® Swabs are the most effective way for Certified Trainers and contractors to comply with the EPA Repair, Renovation and Painting (RRP) rule. Commercially available to all contractors, EPA trainers, and home owners, LeadCheck swabs help protect families, and especially children, against lead poisoning.

About 3M
3M captures the spark of new ideas and transforms them into thousands of ingenious products. Our culture of creative collaboration inspires a never-ending stream of powerful technologies that make life better. 3M is the innovation company that never stops inventing. With $27 billion in sales, 3M employs about 80,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 65 countries. For more information, visit www.3M.com or follow @3MNews on Twitter.

Contacts

3M
Media Contact:
Donna Fleming Runyon
651-736-7646
or
Investor Contacts:
Matt Ginter
651-733-8206
or
Bruce Jermeland
651-733-1807

Contacts

3M
Media Contact:
Donna Fleming Runyon
651-736-7646
or
Investor Contacts:
Matt Ginter
651-733-8206
or
Bruce Jermeland
651-733-1807