UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 ----------------------- FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): July 21, 2003 (July 18, 2003) MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Pennsylvania 1-15579 25-0668780 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (State or other jurisdiction (Commission (IRS Employer of incorporation) File Number) Identification No.) 121 Gamma Drive RIDC Industrial Park O'Hara Township Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15238 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (412) 967-3000 Item 5. Other Events. On July 21, 2003, Mine Safety Appliances Company issued a press release announcing that it has signed an Asset Purchase Agreement with BASF Corporation. A copy of the Asset Purchase Agreement is attached as Exhibit 2.1 to this Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference. A copy of the press release with respect to the Asset Purchase Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report and incorporated herein by reference. Item 7. Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits. (c) Exhibits Exhibit No. Description 2.1 Asset Purchase Agreement by and between Mine Safety Appliances Company and BASF Corporation, dated as of July 18, 2003 99.1 Press Release, dated July 21, 2003 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY Date: July 21, 2003 By: /s/ DENNIS L. ZEITLER ------------------------------ Name: Dennis L. Zeitler Title: Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer EXHIBIT INDEX Exhibit No. Document 2.1 Asset Purchase Agreement by and between Mine Safety Appliances Company and BASF Corporation, dated as of July 18, 2003 99.1 Press Release, dated July 21, 2003