Tue, 02 Dec 2025 | BUSINESS SALE
A private equity-backed fire and security firm has expanded into the South West with the acquisition of a company based in Plymouth. Ranger Fire and Security’s acquisition of Universal Fire and Security Limited is its sixth of 2025.
Ranger, which is backed by mid-market private equity firm Hyperion Equity Partners, was launched in early 2024 and has since grown through acquisitions across the UK and Ireland, with the takeover of Universal being its 13th acquisition in total.
The acquisition gives Ranger its first company based in the South West, as it seeks to expand its services across the whole UK.
Hyperion Equity Partners partner Paul Mahon commented: "Universal Fire and Security brings extensive experience of the security sector, especially around maintenance-related services which will help enhance the Ranger Group’s overall customer offering."
"By joining the Ranger team, Universal Fire and Security will be able to benefit from the increasing cross-selling opportunities available from our ever-growing group of businesses that work across the UK and Ireland."
Universal was founded by Mark Gibson in 2001, initially as a security-focused provider, subsequently expanding into fire protection services and building a strong reputation across the South West for its technical expertise and customer service.
The company’s focus is now geared towards maintenance and maintenance-related services, which compromise more than 90 per cent of its business.
Ranger Fire and Security Chief Executive Mark Bridges commented: "Mark Gibson and the team have done an excellent job in securing a loyal customer base across Devon and Cornwall and we look forward to working with them to continue to expand their services far and wide.”
"With 2026 fast approaching, we are looking forward to announcing more fire & security acquisitions in the coming weeks and months."
A greater regulatory focus on fire safety is among the factors driving M&A in the building products and services sector
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