Is GE's Fire Division its Real Strength?

While the consensus is strong that GE's security and video products are weak, 2 analysts argue that the real strength is in its Fire division. Read report by UK analyst [link no longer available] and comments by Sandy Jones [link no longer available].

GE's Fire division [link no longer available], was acquired [link no longer available] from Edwards System Technologies in 2005 for $1.4 B USD.

Jones notes, "The fire business is probably the jewel in the crown — I think you will see many bidders for that piece; it’s excellent."

The UK analyst claims that GE has a significant market share in the Fire market that is mature and not fragmented. Large security buyers would be interested in this rare opportunity to acquire a major stake in the Fire division.

Jones remained critical about GE Security's performance: "They just didn’t know the market and they handled it in such a way it helped to undermine what good technology they had."

The UK analyst does believe a breakup is likely to produce the best outcome for GE.

I do not know the Fire market and cannot make any meaningful comment.