OpenGate Capital to Acquire Total Safety’s Europe & Middle East Division
OpenGate Capital, a global private equity firm known for executing complex carve-out transactions, has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the Europe and Middle East (EMEA) division of Total Safety. The business, currently part of a portfolio held by Littlejohn & Co., represents a significant player in the delivery of mission-critical safety and compliance solutions to industries where operational risk is high and regulatory oversight is stringent—particularly petrochemical and oil and gas sectors. While financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed, the strategic implications point to a major repositioning of the EMEA safety services landscape.
The acquisition marks another milestone in OpenGate’s strategy of targeting corporate carve-outs and under-optimized assets with strong fundamentals. By acquiring Total Safety’s EMEA division, OpenGate aims to establish a standalone platform with the scale, capabilities, and agility to expand its footprint across key industrial regions. The deal is subject to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions, with completion expected later in 2026.
Total Safety EMEA is headquartered in Diepenbeek, Belgium, and has built a reputation as a trusted provider of integrated safety solutions. Its service offering spans a wide range of critical functions, including the deployment of highly trained safety personnel, rental of essential safety equipment, and the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE). These services are delivered through a comprehensive, one-stop platform designed to support clients operating in hazardous and highly regulated environments.
The company’s value proposition lies in its ability to ensure workforce protection, maintain operational integrity, and enable clients to meet evolving regulatory requirements. In sectors such as oil and gas and petrochemicals, where the margin for error is minimal, the importance of reliable safety services cannot be overstated. Total Safety EMEA has embedded itself deeply within its clients’ operations, often acting as a long-term partner rather than a transactional service provider.
OpenGate’s Managing Director, Matt Keshian, highlighted the strategic rationale behind the acquisition, emphasizing the firm’s experience in managing complex, cross-border carve-outs. He noted that Total Safety EMEA presents a strong foundation for growth, supported by its established market position, experienced leadership team, and robust service offering. According to Keshian, the Middle East in particular offers significant opportunities for expansion, driven by ongoing investments in energy infrastructure and industrial development.
The carve-out nature of the transaction means that Total Safety EMEA will transition into a fully independent entity under OpenGate’s ownership. This separation is expected to unlock new growth opportunities by allowing the business to operate with greater focus and flexibility. As a standalone platform, the company will be better positioned to pursue strategic initiatives, invest in innovation, and respond more quickly to market dynamics.
Steven Lanssens, CEO of Total Safety EMEA, expressed optimism about the partnership with OpenGate, describing it as a pivotal moment for the organization. He underscored the alignment between the two parties in terms of long-term vision and commitment to operational excellence. Lanssens noted that the carve-out will enable the company to sharpen its strategic focus and accelerate investment in key areas, including technology, workforce development, and geographic expansion.
He also highlighted the importance of delivering high-quality safety solutions in industries where reliability and expertise are paramount. As energy and industrial companies face increasing pressure to improve safety performance, reduce environmental impact, and comply with stricter regulations, the demand for integrated safety services is expected to grow. Total Safety EMEA aims to capitalize on this trend by enhancing its capabilities and expanding its service portfolio.
Brad Clark, CEO of Total Safety, reflected on the progress made by the broader organization in recent years. He noted that sustained investment and a focus on strengthening leadership and core capabilities have positioned Total Safety as a global leader in workplace safety equipment and services. Clark expressed confidence that under OpenGate’s ownership, the EMEA division will continue to build on this foundation and achieve new levels of growth and performance.
From a market perspective, the acquisition comes at a time when the energy and industrial sectors are undergoing significant transformation. The transition toward cleaner energy sources, coupled with ongoing investments in traditional oil and gas infrastructure, is creating a complex operating environment. Companies are required to balance efficiency, safety, and sustainability, often under intense regulatory scrutiny. In this context, the role of specialized safety service providers like Total Safety EMEA becomes increasingly critical.
The Middle East, in particular, represents a key growth market for the company. With major national oil companies and international operators investing heavily in upstream and downstream projects, the demand for advanced safety and compliance solutions is on the rise. OpenGate’s strategy to expand the business in this region aligns with broader industry trends and offers the potential for significant value creation.
Europe, meanwhile, continues to present opportunities driven by regulatory complexity and the need for high standards of workplace safety. The region’s focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles further reinforces the importance of robust safety practices. Total Safety EMEA’s established presence and reputation in Europe provide a solid base from which to pursue additional growth initiatives.
Advisors played a key role in facilitating the transaction. OpenGate was advised by McDermott Will & Schulte on legal matters, while Total Safety received legal counsel from Troutman Pepper Locke and Eversheds Sutherland. Houlihan Lokey acted as M&A advisor to Total Safety, supporting the structuring and execution of the deal.
Looking ahead, the success of the acquisition will depend on effective execution during the transition to independence and the ability to drive operational improvements. OpenGate’s track record in similar carve-out situations suggests that it will focus on enhancing efficiency, optimizing the cost structure, and investing in growth initiatives. At the same time, maintaining service quality and client relationships will be critical to sustaining the company’s competitive position.
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