FROM: MSA (MSA Safety Incorporated) Ticker: MSA (NYSE) Media Relations Contact: Mark Deasy (724) 741-8570 Investor Relations Contact: Ken Krause (724) 741-8534 MSA Safety Incorporated to Acquire Lat

MSA Safety Incorporated to Acquire Latchways plc

PITTSBURGH, September 1, 2015 Global safety equipment manufacturer MSA Safety Incorporated (NYSE: MSA) today announced the terms of

a proposed cash acquisition of United Kingdom-based Latchways plc (LSE: LTC), a provider of innovative fall protection systems and solutions, for 11 per share.

Transaction Highlights

Founded in 1974, Latchways is a global market leader of permanent engineered fall protection systems, which includes both horizontal lifelines

and vertical lifelines. Headquartered in Devizes, U.K., and listed on the London Stock Exchange plc, Latchways reported revenues of 33.1 million, or approximately $51.2 million(a) USD,

for the financial year ended March 31 2015. Latchways has approximately 250 employees.

This acquisition, which is expected to close in October of this year, will strengthen

MSA s position in one of the largest and fastest growing segments of the sophisticated safety products market. In addition, it promises to broaden and enhance MSA s existing line of fall protection products, thereby positioning MSA as a

meaningful player in the fall protection market, which is estimated to be between $1.5 and $2.0 billion globally.

accelerates a key element of our corporate strategy and our core product focus in that it extends our fall protection product offerings, particularly within the area of engineered systems, said William M. Lambert, MSA Chairman, President and

CEO. Equally important, MSA stands to benefit from Latchways innovative products and technology, which ultimately strengthens our combined new product development pipeline. Collectively, these benefits will broaden our opportunities in

the utilities, telecom, construction and aircraft market segments, further balancing MSA s market strengths in the oil and gas and fire service industries, he said.

Latchways product portfolio includes horizontal lifelines, personal rescue devices,

WinGrip products for aircraft maintenance, and a range of patented self-retracting lifelines (SRLs) all of which complement MSA s product segments. Further, MSA s product

development capabilities will be strengthened through the addition of Latchways team of engineers, who have a demonstrated track record of driving innovation of engineered fall protection solutions.

Mr. Lambert added that the acquisition also complements and strengthens the market coverage and geographical footprint of both

organizations. I fully expect the combination of our customer relationships, engineering capabilities, marketing expertise and distribution networks will provide great new opportunities for our combined organization, Mr. Lambert

Since the acquisition relates to the shares of an English company that is not registered under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of

1934, it is intended that the acquisition will be implemented by means of a court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement under part 26 of the U.K. Companies Act 2006. Mr. Lambert noted that due to United Kingdom regulations, there is certain

information regarding the transaction that MSA cannot disclose at this time. He added that more information will be made available after the transaction closes. The acquisition is conditional on, among other things, the approval of Latchways

In connection with the transaction, Lazard is acting as a financial advisor to MSA, and Reed

Smith LLP is legal counsel.

Any investor or customer related questions concerning this proposed acquisition should be directed to Ken

Krause, MSA Vice President, Strategic Finance and Treasurer. Mr. Krause can reached by email at ken.krause@msasafety.com, or by phone at 724-741-8534.

About MSA Safety Incorporated

Established in 1914, MSA Safety Incorporated is the global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of safety products that protect people and

facility infrastructures. Many MSA products integrate a combination of electronics, mechanical systems and advanced materials to protect users against hazardous or life-threatening situations. The company s comprehensive line of products is

used by workers around the world in a broad range of markets, including the oil, gas and petrochemical industry, the fire service, the construction industry, mining, and the military. The company s core products include self-contained breathing

apparatus, fixed gas and flame detection systems, portable gas detection instruments, industrial head protection, fire and rescue helmets, and fall protection devices. With 2014 revenues of $1.1 billion, MSA employs approximately 5,000 people

worldwide. The company is headquartered north of Pittsburgh in Cranberry Township, Pa., and has manufacturing operations in the United States, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. With more than 40 international locations, MSA realizes approximately

half of its revenue from outside North America. For more information, visit MSA s website at www.msasafety.com.

Founded in 1974, Latchways is

dedicated to protecting the safety of individuals working at heights and has established a reputation for innovative fall arrest systems, and designing, assembling and marketing high quality fall protection products, coupled with providing high

levels of technical and customer support. Latchways operates out of the group headquarters in Devizes, United Kingdom, a sales and distribution center in Houston, Texas, and a small production plant in Kozina, Slovenia. The Latchways Group designs

and manufactures fall protection equipment for people working at heights, which is sold worldwide, both directly to end users and also through a network of independent, trained installers. The business is broadly categorized between horizontal

business (systems for those working at heights, such as rooftops, crane rails, etc.) and vertical business (systems for those climbing to or from height, for example ladders, telecom masts, electricity transmission towers, etc.).

In recent years the range has been enhanced, both through acquisition and product development, to include personal protective equipment, guardrails and walkways, and most recently rescue equipment. Latchways employs approximately 250 people and

reported revenues of 33.1 million for the financial year ended March 31, 2015.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking

Except for historical information, certain matters discussed in this press release may be forward-looking statements within the

meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include but are not limited to all projections and anticipated levels of future performance. Forward looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and

other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those discussed herein. Any number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from projections or forward looking statements, including without limitation

global economic conditions, spending patterns of government agencies, competitive pressures, the impact of acquisitions and related integration activities, product liability claims, the success of new product introductions, currency exchange rate

fluctuations and the risks of doing business in foreign countries. A full listing of these risks, uncertainties and other factors are detailed in our filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ( SEC ), including our

most recent Form 10-K filed on February 25, 2015. You are strongly urged to review all such filings for a more detailed discussion of such risks and uncertainties. MSA s SEC filings are readily obtainable at no charge at www.sec.gov, as

well as on its own investor relations website at http://investors.msasafety.com. MSA undertakes no duty to publicly update any forward looking statements contained herein, except as required by law.