Double acquisition sparks further growth for fire safety firm
Fire safety firm Walker Fire has made two acquisitions to drive its expansion in the fire detection and security sector.
The Preston-based firm has acquired Leicestershire-based Detector Alarms and Hampshire-based Southern Fire Protection, for an undisclosed sum.
David Cosgrove, Walker Fire managing director, said: “Our goal is to become one of the UK’s foremost providers of fire safety and building security services.
“The two businesses we have acquired have operational capabilities and values that are very aligned with our own and further strengthen our service offering and national footprint.”
Walker Fire is part of Ireland’s Moyne Roberts Group. Based at Roman Way Industrial Estate in Preston, the business has 238 staff and offers services in the installation and servicing of fire alarms, fire suppression systems and other fire safety equipment, as well as fire risk assessment and fire safety training services.
Detector Alarms, which trades as Detector Fire and Security, operates across Leicestershire and the Midlands, specialising in the installation and servicing of security and fire safety systems.
The deal enables an exit for its shareholders Carlos Mendez, Scott Thompson and David Loomes. However, Carlos Mendez will continue working with the business and all staff members have been retained. Steven Mather of Nexa Law acted for the sellers.
Southern Fire Protection operates across Hampshire, also specialising in fire safety equipment installation and servicing. The deal sees an exit for shareholders Michael Graham, Tracy Graham, Gary Turner and Penelope Turner, though Michael and Tracy will continue working in the business together with all other staff.
Walker Fire was advised on the transactions by the corporate finance, property and employment teams at law firm Harrison Drury solicitors. Stuart Hinnigan, partner at Scott & Wilkinson accountants, advised on the financial aspects of the deal.
The advisory team at Harrison Drury was led by Jack Stephenson and Kerry Southworth in the corporate team, supported by Laura Bradley from the commercial property team, and Sarah Astley and Olivia Bailey from the employment law team.
Jack Stephenson, associate solicitor in the corporate team at Harrison Drury, said: “We’re proud to have supported Walker Fire’s growth strategy by advising them on a significant number of transactions over the last few years.
“These latest strategic acquisitions help Walker Fire grow its capabilities and geographical coverage and we’re pleased to have played our role in making this possible.”
Sarah Astley, associate solicitor in the employment team, said: “We’re pleased to be working alongside the team at Walker Fire, supporting them with the employment aspects of these acquisitions and ensuring a smooth transition for all staff, clients and stakeholders.”
