3M Completes Acquisition of Rochford Thompson Equipment Ltd

31 July 2007

ST. PAUL, Minn., & BRACKNELL, England 3M announced today it has completed its acquisition of Rochford Thompson Equipment Ltd., a manufacturer of optical character recognition passport readers used by airlines and immigration authorities, headquartered in Newbury, U.K.

The addition of Rochford Thompson enhances 3M’s secure document scanning solutions portfolio and allows expansion into transportation markets such as international airlines. Rochford Thompson security document scanning solutions are used by airlines for data capture at check-in desks and self-service kiosks and by immigration authorities for border control. Other users include cruise lines, ferry companies, transport police, banks and other organizations that need to read passports, visas, ID cards or airline tickets.

Complementary acquisitions such as this support both 3M’s core business and growth strategy to expand into adjacent markets. Rochford Thompson employs approximately 30 people.