Tyco International was a global leader in fire protection and security solutions before merging with Johnson Controls in 2016. Founded in 1960, the company grew from a small investment firm into a diversified conglomerate through aggressive acquisitions spanning four decades.
At its peak, Tyco operated in more than 60 countries with over 260,000 employees. The company went through multiple restructurings, spinning off its healthcare and electronics divisions in 2007 and its residential security and flow control businesses in 2012.
By 2016, Tyco focused on two core segments: fire protection and security products. The company sold systems under brands including ADT, SimplexGrinnell, Sensormatic, Ansul, and Scott Safety before the Johnson Controls merger ended its 56-year run as an independent company.
Tyco International History
Tyco International Co-founders
Tyco International Revenue
Tyco International generated approximately $9.9 billion in revenue during fiscal year 2016 before the merger. The company’s revenue varied over the years due to multiple acquisitions, divestitures, and corporate separations that reshaped its business portfolio.
*2012 reflects post-separation figures after ADT and Flow Control spin-offs
Tyco International Acquisitions
Tyco International built its business through an aggressive acquisition strategy that spanned more than four decades. Between 1991 and 2001 alone, the company acquired over 1,000 businesses under CEO Dennis Kozlowski. This expansion transformed Tyco from a small investment firm into a global industrial conglomerate.
Major acquisitions during the 1990s included Wormald International, Kendall International, United States Surgical, Thorn Security, and Wells Fargo Alarm. In 1997, the reverse merger with ADT Limited brought the ADT brand into the Tyco portfolio and shifted the company’s headquarters to Bermuda.
The 1999 acquisition of AMP Inc. and Raychem Corporation for $3 billion expanded Tyco’s electronics capabilities. In 2001, Tyco purchased SimplexGrinnell and Mallinckrodt, pushing annual revenue above $35 billion. The company also acquired Blue Circle Industries to become the world’s largest cement producer at the time.
After the 2002 scandal, Tyco shifted from acquisitions to divestitures. The company sold CIT Group, Tyco Global Network, and various non-core businesses. Edward Breen led the 2007 separation that created Covidien and TE Connectivity as independent companies.
In 2011, Tyco acquired Brink’s Home Security (Broadview Security) for $2 billion and Visonic for $100 million to strengthen its security business. The final major transaction came in 2016 when Johnson Controls acquired Tyco in a merger valued at $16.5 billion, ending Tyco’s run as an independent company.
Tyco International Market Cap
Tyco International’s market capitalization reached approximately $13 billion before its merger with Johnson Controls. The stock traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker TYC until the 2016 merger completion.
*2012 reflects post-separation figures after ADT and Flow Control spin-offs
Tyco International Competitors
Tyco International competed in the fire protection and security systems markets against major industrial conglomerates. The company faced competition from Honeywell International, Siemens, and Robert Bosch in both residential and commercial security segments.
| Company | Headquarters | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Honeywell International | United States | Building Automation, Security |
| Siemens | Germany | Fire Safety, Building Technology |
| Robert Bosch | Germany | Security Systems, Video Surveillance |
| General Electric | United States | Industrial Systems, Security |
| ADT Corporation | United States | Residential Security Services |
| Schneider Electric | France | Building Management, Security |
| United Technologies | United States | Fire Safety, Building Systems |
| Eaton Corporation | Ireland | Fire Detection, Suppression |
| Stanley Black & Decker | United States | Electronic Security, Access Control |
| Allegion | Ireland | Security Products, Access Control |
FAQs
What happened to Tyco International?
Tyco International merged with Johnson Controls in September 2016. The combined company became Johnson Controls International plc, headquartered in Cork, Ireland.
When was Tyco International founded?
Arthur J. Rosenberg founded Tyco in 1960 as an investment and holding company. It started with semiconductors and materials research before expanding into other industries.
What caused the Tyco scandal?
CEO Dennis Kozlowski and executives faced charges of stealing hundreds of millions from the company. Kozlowski resigned in 2002 and was later convicted of grand larceny and fraud.
What companies came from Tyco?
Tyco spin-offs created Covidien (healthcare), TE Connectivity (electronics), ADT Corporation (residential security), and Pentair Flow Control (valves and water systems).
What brands did Tyco own?
Tyco owned major brands including ADT, SimplexGrinnell, Sensormatic, Ansul, Scott Safety, Grinnell, and DSC before the Johnson Controls merger in 2016.