Both companies provide products that monitor hazardous gases and fire risks in coal mines across the world.

Outgoing ISC president Kent McElhattan said the companies shared remarkably similar backgrounds and cultures and were committed to delivering high quality products and best services to customers.

“The motivation behind this transaction is simply to serve the customers of both companies better,” he said.

Oldham president Jean-Marc Santraine said the partnership would create a clear, worldwide leader in gas monitoring instruments and systems.

“Expanded resources will provide our multinational customers with the benefits of more localised services and wider product offerings,” he said.

Following the new acquisition, ISC also announced changes to its corporate structure in order to increase the effectiveness of its global operations.

Justin McElhattan has been named president of ISC and will have general management responsibility for profit growth of the company’s business in North and South America.

The former president and CEO of Oldham, Jean-Marc Santraine, has been named president of ISC Oldham and Dr Annie Q Wang has been named president of ISC Asia Pacific.

Under this new corporate structure, the three divisional presidents will report directly to Kent McElhattan, CEO of Industrial Scientific Corporation.

The combined force of Oldham and Industrial Scientific is expected to strengthen the corporation’s ability to provide best solutions to the worldwide market of gas and fire detection.