Cooper has grown both organically and by the acquisition of electrical manufacturing businesses which hold a prominent position in their respective market and have leading brand names. Cooper is active in several areas of electrical manufacturing including fuses, petrochemical switchgear and lighting, mains lighting, emergency lighting, fire detection, security systems, electrical enclosures, power tools and medium voltage power distribution systems. Well known brands include CEAG, Crouse-Hinds, Bussmann, Scantronic, Menvier and JSB not to mention the Cooper brand itself.

In 1997, Cooper acquired Menvier followed by the acquisition of JSB in 1999. Not only were they highly respected companies with excellent brands but it also gave Cooper No. 1 position in both the UK and Europe in emergency lighting and a substantial business in fire detection equipment. Other acquisitions led to the formation of Cooper Safety as a division of Cooper Industries, which specialises in products designed for life safety and protect property in commercial and industrial facilities.