Ranger Fire and Security has announced its acquisition of Universal Fire and Security Ltd, based in Plymouth. This move marks Ranger's strategic entry into the South West of England.
Universal, established in 2001 by Mark Gibson, initially focused on security services before expanding into fire protection, earning a solid reputation in Devon and Cornwall for technical proficiency and customer service.
Expanding Service Offerings to Loyal Customers
Universal's offerings include a variety of systems such as intruder detection, CCTV, fire alarms, automatic opening vent (AOV) systems, access control, emergency lighting, call systems, fire extinguishers, maintenance, monitoring, and automatic gates and barriers.
The company's focus has been predominantly on maintenance, which comprises more than 90% of its business, while the remainder centers on new installations for a dedicated customer base.
Alignment with Ranger's Strategic Goals
The culture of Universal and its customer-oriented business model align closely with Ranger's strategy, which is to construct a nationwide network of reliable, customer-focused fire and security specialists.
Ranger aims to provide greater operational and technological support, thereby increasing opportunities
By acquiring Universal, Ranger aims to provide greater operational and technological support, thereby increasing opportunities for cross-selling and collaboration throughout the South West and beyond.
The acquisition is a crucial step in Ranger's mission to develop a fire and security services provider with national reach, leveraging a combination of strong regional expertise and a unified, customer-centered approach.
Strengthening Regional Leadership
Mark Bridges, CEO of Ranger Fire and Security, noted, "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."
Mark and Chris, key figures at Universal, were significant considerations for Ranger during due diligence. Their ambition for growth, both organic and through acquisition, aligns with Ranger's vision, making them an excellent cultural fit. Ranger is pleased to have them lead initiatives in Devon and Cornwall.
Commitment to High-quality Services
Mark Gibson, the founder and Managing Director of Universal, emphasized the company's dedication
Mark Gibson, the founder and Managing Director of Universal, emphasized the company's dedication to repeat business and its loyal customer base, attributing success to the high-quality fire and security services provided across the South West.
He highlighted the benefits of joining the Ranger Group, stating, "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."
Growing Presence in the UK and Ireland
The integration of Universal Fire and Security into Ranger represents the thirteenth acquisition since the company's inception in early 2024, and the sixth this year.
This addition further bolsters Ranger's presence in the UK and Ireland, building on recent acquisitions like B-Safe Group, Aqua Fire Prevention in Ireland, and IRN Security in Scotland.
Supported by Hyperion Equity Partners, Ranger is on a mission to become a premier provider of fire and security services throughout the UK and Ireland. Through strategic acquisitions and investments in technology and talent, Ranger offers a wide array of services on both regional and national levels, all focused on delivering a seamless customer experience.
