Ranger Fire & Security - Experts & Thought Leaders

Ranger Fire and Security has now announced its acquisition of Plymouth-based Universal Fire and Security Ltd, marking the business’s strategic entry into the South West of England.  Founded in 2001 by Mark Gibson, Universal began as a security-focused provider before expanding into fire protection services, building a strong reputation across Devon and Cornwall for its technical expertise and customer service. New installations for a strong and loyal customer base The company’s comprehensive offering includes intruder detection systems, CCTV, fire alarms, AOV (automatic opening vent) systems, access control systems, emergency lighting, call systems, fire extinguishers, maintenance and monitoring and automatic gates and barriers.  Universal’s focus has been geared towards maintenance and maintenance-related services which is more than 90%+ of the business and the balance being new installations for a strong and loyal customer base.  The company’s culture and customer-focused business model coupled with focus on maintenance-related services aligns closely with Ranger’s strategy for building a nationwide network of trusted, customer service-driven fire and security specialists.  Key step in Ranger’s mission By joining the Ranger Group, Universal will benefit from enhanced operational and technological support, while increasing opportunities for cross-selling and collaboration across the South West and the wider Ranger network. The move represents another key step in Ranger’s mission to build a fire and security services provider that is truly national in scope, combining strong regional expertise with a unified, customer-focused approach.   Mark Bridges, CEO of Ranger Fire and Security, said: “We are honored to be chosen by Mark [Gibson] and team in a highly competitive process to be his partner moving forward and opening the next chapter as part of the Ranger Group.”  High-quality fire and security services Mark and Chris were a huge focus for Ranger in our due diligence and they have demonstrated a strong ambition to grow organically and through acquisition. They are a great cultural fit to the team and we are extremely delighted to have them on board as the lead for the work in Devon and Cornwall.    Mark Gibson, Founder and Managing Director of Universal Fire and Security, said: “At Universal we pride ourselves on our repeat business and loyal customer base which is a testament to the high-quality fire and security services we deliver across the South West." “A major pull for joining the Ranger Group is being able to benefit from the Group’s operational expertise, helping us ensure we are providing the most high-quality service possible, while also enabling us to expand our reach across not only the South West region, but beyond into other parts of the country.” Ranger’s growing presence across the UK and Ireland Universal Fire and Security’s introduction into the Ranger team marks Ranger’s thirteenth acquisition since launching in early 2024 and its sixth this year. The addition further strengthens Ranger’s growing presence across the UK and Ireland, building on the recent acquisitions of B-Safe Group and Aqua Fire Prevention in Ireland and IRN Security in Scotland.  With backing from Hyperion Equity Partners, Ranger is on a mission to become the pioneering one-stop provider for fire and security services across the UK and Ireland. Through strategic acquisitions and investment in technology and talent, Ranger offers a comprehensive range of services at a regional and national level, all while providing a seamless customer experience.

Mark Bridges, CEO of Ranger Fire and Security has been recognized as one of The LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders for 2025. The Top 50 was created by LDC, the private equity investor that is part of Lloyds Banking Group, in partnership with The Times. Now in its eighth year, the program continues to celebrate the drive and ambition of Britain’s best and brightest entrepreneurs. This year the program received almost 700 nominations, showcasing the exceptional individuals that are building successful, growing medium-sized businesses right across the UK. New ideas to innovate and diversify The business pioneers featured in The LDC Top 50 for 2025 are making a powerful impact by creating jobs, making a difference in the communities they serve, championing sustainability and expanding internationally. They are also demonstrating resilience as they drive growth and develop new ideas to innovate and diversify. They operate from 67 towns and cities across the UK and span every sector of the economy, while collectively they employ almost 10,000 people and generate combined revenues of £1.2bn. Nature of the fire and security sector Ranger, which launched in early 2024, was set up by Mark and the founding team to overcome the fractured nature of the fire and security sector, where many businesses struggle to scale. By bringing together high-performing businesses under one group, Ranger is on a mission to become the one-stop shop for all fire and security needs. Since its launch in February 2024, Ranger has acquired 11 companies with expertise across the whole fire and security landscape and serving a broad customer base that includes both the private and public sector clients. This year alone, the company has acquired four new businesses, including its third in Ireland as Ranger looks to continue expanding into markets beyond the UK. Ranger's fire and security needs Mark Bridges, CEO of Ranger Fire and Security, said: “To be part of the LDC’s most ambitious pioneers is a great privilege and I am honored to be named alongside so many excellent pioneers from a wide range of sectors." “Launching Ranger, with a mission to become the one-stop shop for everyone’s fire and security needs, has been an incredible journey to date and I’m so proud of what the team has achieved, leveraging our shared industry knowledge to better serve customers, while creating opportunities to pool our resources and cross-sell across the entire Ranger Group." “I’m now looking forward to building on what we’ve achieved to date, as we continue to grow our reach across the UK and Ireland.” The LDC Top 50 John Garner, Managing Partner at LDC, added: “In the eight years since we launched The LDC Top 50 we’ve had the honor of meeting some exceptional business pioneers." "This year’s cohort has shown drive and ambition in their growth journeys, proven remarkable resilience, and together they are making a real difference to their employees, the communities they work in and society at large." "I’d like to congratulate them on everything they’ve achieved so far. Their success stories are only just beginning, and we’re excited to see where their journey takes them next.”

Ranger Fire and Security has announced its first acquisition of 2025, with McGoff & Vickers Fire & Security Systems (MGV) becoming the latest business to join the rapidly growing Ranger Group. Run by industry specialists and service business experts, Ranger brings together high-quality fire and security (F&S) businesses in partnership to share industry expertise, resources and boost cross-selling opportunities. Fire protection services North-West-based F&S business MGV has a history of providing high-quality fire protection services Founded in 1925, North-West-based F&S business MGV has a long history of providing high-quality fire protection services within both the private and public sectors. It currently boasts a wide range of high-profile clients, including hospitals, councils, and educational facilities. With a hugely loyal customer base, MGV has a 95% recurring revenue stream based on maintenance relationships, which aligns closely with Ranger’s guardrails. NSI’s highest technical standards Later this year, the company celebrates its centenary anniversary, as it continues to enhance security for its customers through a range of products including fire, intruder, CCTV, electrical and data cabling network installations. MGV has also been a National Security Inspectorate NACOSS Gold Contractor since the 1970s, achieving the NSI’s highest technical standards. As a security specialist in the North-West, MGV will complement the existing fire alarm services at Ranger and enhance the group’s multidiscipline and cross-selling capability. The team will work with other companies in the Ranger Group to increase efficiency, skills and knowledge, while delivering work to existing customers on a wider scale. Ranger’s enhance mission MGV will continue to operate under its current name but will work closely with Syncro Fire and Security As part of this acquisition, and like previous businesses that have joined the Ranger Group, MGV will continue to operate under its current name but will work closely alongside Syncro Fire and Security to further enhance Ranger’s mission in delivering a one-stop shop for its North-West customers.  Gerry Bates, Managing Director of Syncro, said: “We know McGoff & Vickers really well by reputation, and they have an excellent reputation gained with their many long-standing customers, providing the North-West with the high-quality fire and security needs it requires." Incredible opportunity for Ranger Bates added: “Working closely with Syncro under the Ranger umbrella, we will work together as a team to enable McGoff & Vickers and Syncro to delight our current customer base and to reach a wider range of customers. I’m looking forward to working with the MGV team to enhance our offering to customers across the North-West.” Ian Teader, Group Managing Director of Ranger Fire and Security, said: “MGV is well known to me and its business model aligns closely with what we are looking to achieve at Ranger. To have a business join with such a strong reputation and history is testament to Ranger’s pull in the market. Furthermore, for the business to be a 95% maintenance led business is an incredible opportunity for Ranger to build out their services alongside the other businesses that we have in the North-West.” Range of quality fire and security services Ranger has embarked on a mission to set itself as the one-stop solution provider in the fire and safety sector Mark Giardelli, Managing Director of McGoff & Vickers Fire and Security Systems, said: “Joining the Ranger Group and working closely with Syncro is a huge opportunity for MGV and its customers. This will enable MGV to further expand the business, as well as giving clients greater access to a full range of quality fire and security services through cross-selling initiatives." “Collaborating with other companies allows for an expansion in services to existing clients while also reaching new customers. The plan is to work closely with other North-West based businesses to increase resources, skills and knowledge to the area.” Ranger Fire and Security’s previous acquisitions The announcement builds on Ranger Fire and Security’s previous acquisitions of AFIL, Ignis Fire Protection Ltd, Syncro Group Ltd, IPH Fire Solutions Ltd, Fire Door Specialists Ltd, KSS Fire Suppression, and Secureshield Ltd, which together have helped Ranger to enhance its offering in all key areas of fire and security services, such as fire detection and alarms, extinguisher maintenance, passive fire and security services.     Since launching in Q1 2024, with backing from the private investment firm Hyperion Equity Partners, Ranger has embarked on a mission to establish itself as the pioneering one-stop solution provider in the fire and safety sector, offering a comprehensive range of services through both regional and national operations, and providing a seamless customer experience. Funding for the acquisition was provided by ThinCats.