Bermuda-domiciled Cooper Industries has bought Hyundai Explosion-Proof Electric Company.

The South Korea-based manufacturer of explosion-proof electrical equipment specialises in explosion-proof Glass Reinforced Plastic lighting, control panels and switchgear and, in a statement, Cooper Industries said its products are "highly complementary to the current Cooper Crouse-Hinds product offerings."

Cooper Industries Chairman and CEO Kirk Hachigian, said: "This acquisition signals our ongoing commitment to strengthen the core businesses and enhance our global footprint. Hyundai Explosion-Proof Electric Company has a strong reputation for innovative products and excellent quality and this acquisition will provide Cooper with increased access to the South Korean market, with its strong shipbuilding industry and where significant investment to upgrade domestic energy and petrochemical infrastructure is underway."

The acquisition is the eighth deal announced by Cooper in 2007 and according to the company is strongly aligned with its disciplined three-tiered acquisition strategy focused on building out strategic platforms that strengthen the core businesses with complementary or adjacent products, adding more end-user specification and technology into the portfolio, and enhancing the Cooper's global footprint.