Kidde-Fenwal history

One of Kidde's most problematic acquisitions was made in 1969 when it purchased United States Lines, a major but financially troubled transportation system.

When United States Lines lost $1.5 million in 1970, Kidde began to look for a buyer.

Overall, Kidde purchased ten businesses in 1979, one of which included Victor Comptometer, which was right behind Sharp Electronics, the leader in sales of desktop calculators.

1980: The firm officially adopts the name Kidde, Inc.

While consumer and recreational products were doing well for the company, Kidde made a move away from this market in 1981 into the energy and industrial markets.

Although Kidde was affected when the price of oil dropped in 1982, the company promptly moved into oil and gas exploration as a way in which to establish a market for its own rigs.

1985: Five operating units are sold to compensate for $400 million in losses.

1987 – Walter Kidde & Company is acquired by Hanson Industries

In January 1988, Hanson sold the first of its Kidde holdings, the Computrol manufacturing unit, for $2.2 million.

1989 – Walter Kidde Limited UK is merged with the Graviner UK company, creating Kidde-Graviner Ltd.

1991 – The broken flame logo is adopted and Kidde-Fenwal is established in the US

While Kidde experienced renewed growth under new ownership, it did battle with negative publicity during 1992.

1993 – The official name is changed to Kidde International after undergoing several name changes throughout the preceding decades.

1995 – Kidde purchases Nighthawk and begins to sell CO and smoke alarms.

By 1996, in fact, Williams had sold off many of its interests to relieve its debt load, enabling it to focus on its security and fire-related businesses.

When profits dropped by 49 percent in 1999, Williams set plans in motion to break up.

CEO Michael Harper stated in a 2001 AFX European Focus article that although the firm was concerned with the growth of the United States economy, Kidde's "growing strengths in Europe and South America and the influence of regulation in all our markets give us confidence for the year ahead."

2005 – UTC Fire & Security acquires Kidde PLC and joins it with Chubb

2007 – Kidde celebrates its 90th Anniversary

2012 – Kidde introduces new Worry-Free line of smoke alarms with a 10-year sealed-in lithium battery

2013 – Kidde becomes first manufacturer to offer carbon monoxide alarms designed to last 10 years

2017 – Kidde releases P4010 Series alarms with 10-year sealed batteries and Wire-Free interconnect