Smiths Detection Acquires Its Brazilian Distributor EBCO Systems

Smiths Detection has purchased its Brazilian distributor from EBCO Systems to take direct control over sales of its security and detection products in one of the fastest-growing economies.

EBCO, based in Sao Paulo, has been the exclusive distributor for Smiths Detection in Brazil since 1994, selling and servicing a wide range of X-ray and trace detection systems to customs authorities, airports and prisons.

The new company, called Smiths Detection Brazil, will comprise the sales and service organization of EBCO’s security and detection side and will employ about 55 people. The purchased company’s gross assets totalled $2 million. EBCO’s separate airfield lighting business is unaffected.

“EBCO has been a partner for us in Brazil over the years and its full integration into Smiths Detection’s global business will strengthen our position as the country’s supplier of detection solutions,” said Cherif Rizkalla, Chief Commercial Officer of Smiths Detection.

“Brazil is one of the biggest and fastest-growing economies in the world. The acquisition gives us direct control over a well-established sales and service network to leverage long-term value from the expanding market and allow us to maximize in-country profits,” said Philip Bowman, Chief Executive of Smiths Group.

Smiths Detection systems are deployed throughout the vast country, from airports and ports in major cities such as Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro to remote border crossings in the Amazon.