ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — 3M is buying safety equipment maker Capital Safety from KKR for about $1.8 billion as demand for protective gear grows. The transaction also includes approximately $700 million in debt. 3M Co., which makes Post-it notes and other products, said Tuesday that increasing demand for worker safety in developing countries is driving sales of equipment. Capital Safety's equipment is sold under brands including DBI-SALA and PROTECTA. The deal is expected to close in the third quarter. 3M is based in St.