Halma, the leading safety, health and environmental technology group, acquired Rath Communications, a provider of emergency communication systems for Areas of Refuge in the USA, for $42m. Andrew Williams, Halma's Chief Executive, commented: "Rath extends Halma's safety communications capabilities and adds a new market niche with its strong position in the Area of Refuge communications market in the USA, where growth is being supported by tightening regulatory standards. Rath is also well positioned to benefit from Halma's strategic Growth Enablers, bringing the potential for collaboration with other Halma businesses in elevator safety and healthcare to drive expansion into adjacent markets focused on the care and safety of the elderly and disabled people. We look forward to working with Rath's management team and continuing its strong track record of growth."