Williams, one of the City's star names in the 1980s, has given more details about the splitting of its fire safety and security businesses.

Following the sale for around £925 million of its Yale locks division to Swedish company Assa Abloy, its two remaining divisions will go their own way on November 13.

After the demerger of Chubb Group, which will concentrate on security products, and fire safety specialists Kidde Group, the Williams name will disappear from City dealers' screens.

The divorce of Chubb and Kidde was first revealed in March and was an amicable affair for Williams.

Both parties said they would flourish in their own fragmented, rapidly-expanding global markets which are ripe for consolidation.

Kidde's chief executive designate, Michael Harper, said there was a great opportunity for his company, which produces fire and safety products to a wide range of clients including Boeing and Airbus, to take advantage of the healthy climate in the sector.

He said: "As the economy develops and people become more sophisticated they look to protect their assets and their lives more."

Mr Harper said that in recent years, Kidde had seen a compound growth rate in excess of ten per cent, with operating margins following suit.

Growth sectors included protecting telecoms and technology companies as well as the increased demand for home fire protection measures, like smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

Roger Carr, chairman designate of Chubb, also welcomed the split, saying that his initial plans were to "take a leading role" in the consolidation of the security products and services industry.