Ranger Fire and Security has announced its acquisition of Universal Fire and Security Ltd, based in Plymouth, marking the company's strategic expansion into the South West of England.
Established in 2001 by Mark Gibson, Universal initially focused on security services before branching out into fire protection. Over the years, it has built a solid reputation in Devon and Cornwall for both technical expertise and customer service.
Expanding Services and Customer Base
Ranger's strategic goals highlight a mutual oath to growing a nationwide network of fire and security specialists
Universal Fire and Security offers a wide range of services including intruder detection systems, CCTV, fire alarms, AOV (automatic opening vent) systems, access control, emergency lighting, call systems, fire extinguishers, maintenance, monitoring, and automatic gates and barriers.
The company's core focus is on maintenance and related services, which constitute more than 90% of its business, with the remaining portion being new installations for a dedicated customer base.
The alignment between Universal's customer service-oriented business model and Ranger's strategic goals highlights a mutual commitment to growing a nationwide network of fire and security specialists known for their customer focus.
Strategic Growth and National Ambitions
Joining the Ranger Group offers Universal the benefit of enhanced operational and technological support, paving the way for increased opportunities in cross-selling and collaboration throughout the South West and beyond.
This acquisition is a pivotal step in Ranger's mission to establish a nationally recognized fire and security service provider that combines local expertise with a cohesive, customer-centric approach.
Mark Bridges, CEO of Ranger Fire and Security, stated, "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."
Commitment to Quality and Expansion
Ranger's due diligence emphasized the ambitions of Mark and Chris to grow both organically and through acquisitions
Ranger's due diligence emphasized the ambitions of Mark and Chris to grow both organically and through acquisitions, making them a strong cultural fit for the team. They will lead efforts in Devon and Cornwall, enhancing Ranger's service quality and outreach.
Mark Gibson, Founder and Managing Director of Universal Fire and Security, commented, "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."
He added that joining the Ranger Group allows them to benefit from operational expertise, ensuring high-quality service and expanding reach not only in the South West but into other parts of the UK.
Ranger's Expanding Footprint
Universal Fire and Security becomes Ranger's thirteenth acquisition since its inception in early 2024 and the sixth this year, further consolidating Ranger's presence across the UK and Ireland. This follows recent acquisitions of B-Safe Group and Aqua Fire Prevention in Ireland and IRN Security in Scotland.
Supported by Hyperion Equity Partners, Ranger aims to become a leading provider of comprehensive fire and security services across the UK and Ireland, focusing on strategic acquisitions and investments in technology and talent to ensure a seamless customer experience.
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 their 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 they 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.
