Organic local-currency sales increased 4.0 percent and acquisitions added 1.4 percent. Acquisition growth was largely due to the October 2011 acquisition of the do-it-yourself and professional business of GPI Group and the April 2010 acquisition of the A-One branded label business and related operations. A-One is the largest branded label business in Asia and the second largest worldwide. 3M also acquired Hybrivet Systems Inc. in the first quarter of 2011, a provider of instant-read products to detect lead and other contaminants and toxins. Foreign currency impacts contributed 2.4 percent to sales growth in the Consumer and Office segment.

 

On a geographic basis, sales increased in all regions, led by Asia Pacific, Latin America/Canada and Europe, which all had sales growth rates in excess of 10 percent. U.S. sales also grew, albeit at a slower rate.

 

Consumer and Office operating income was flat when comparing 2011 to 2010, reflecting continued ongoing investments in developing economies in brand development and marketing and sales coverage. Even with these investments, Consumer and Office generated operating income margins of 20.2 percent.



Safety, Security and Protection Services Business (12.7% of consolidated sales):

 

The Safety, Security and Protection Services segment serves a broad range of markets that increase the safety, security and productivity of workers, facilities and systems. Major product offerings include personal protection products, cleaning and protection products for commercial establishments, safety and security products (including border and civil security solutions), roofing granules for asphalt shingles, infrastructure protection products used in the oil and gas pipeline markets, and track and trace solutions.

 

Year 2012 results:

 

Safety, Security and Protection Services sales totaled $3.8 billion, down 0.5 percent in U.S. dollars. Organic local-currency sales grew 2.2 percent and foreign currency translation reduced sales by 2.7 percent. Organic local-currency sales growth was led by infrastructure protection and personal safety, with growth also in building and commercial services and roofing granules.

 

2012 organic local-currency sales declined 18 percent in security systems, as government spending for security solutions has been declining over the last few years. As discussed later in the “Critical Accounting Estimates” section, 3M will continue to monitor this business to assess whether long-term expectations have been significantly impacted such that an asset or goodwill impairment test would be required. The Company completed its annual goodwill impairment test in the fourth quarter of 2012, with no impairment indicated.

 

Geographically, organic local-currency sales increased 19 percent in Latin America/Canada. Organic local-currency sales were flat in Asia Pacific and the United States, and declined 2 percent in EMEA.

 

The combination of selling price increases and raw material cost reductions, plus factory efficiencies, drove a 4.1 percent increase in operating income. Operating income margins increased 1.0 percentage points to 22.3 percent.

 

Year 2011 results:

 

Safety,