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 honoured 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 recognised 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 programme continues to celebrate the drive and ambition of Britain’s best and brightest entrepreneurs. This year the programme 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, whilst 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 honoured 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 honour 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 strengthened its presence in the Irish market with the acquisition of Aqua Fire Prevention, a pioneering Dublin-based fire safety business and the latest to join the fast-growing Ranger Group. Founded in 1986, and with 35 years of experience, Aqua Fire Prevention has built a strong reputation for providing high-quality, fully certified fire safety services to its more than 3,000 customers. Fire safety training services Aqua provides quality services to all of its valued customers who operate in every sector of business Its core services include the supply and installation of fire extinguishers, service and maintenance of equipment, fire prevention compliance and expert-led fire safety training services. Aqua provides quality services to all of its valued customers who operate in every sector of business and industry in Ireland. Ranger’s second acquisition The acquisition marks Ranger’s second acquisition in Ireland since its launch in early 2024, building on last year’s purchase of KSS Fire Suppression. The move further enhances the Ranger Group’s coverage across the Irish market and boosts its capabilities in providing extinguisher servicing and fire prevention compliance-related services. New opportunities to cross-sell services Aqua will benefit from access to the entire Group’s range of expertise and knowledge By joining Ranger, Aqua will benefit from access to the entire Group’s range of expertise and knowledge, as well as creating new opportunities to cross-sell services to clients. Prior to its purchase by Ranger, Aqua had already commenced mutually beneficial cross-selling opportunities with Ranger’s other Ireland-based business-KSS Fire Suppression.   Aqua underlines Ranger’s ambition The acquisition of Aqua underlines Ranger’s ambition to become the go-to provider of quality, reliable fire and security (F&S) services in Ireland, as well as furthering its plans to expand beyond the UK, with acquisitions in Europe a potential opportunity at a later stage. Acquisition of Aqua underlines Ranger’s aim to become the go-to provider of quality, reliable F&S Diane Brennan will lead Aqua in her role as General Manager, while founder Brendan Mooney will remain in the business for a significant period of time to transition it to the Ranger platform. In her role, Diane will lead Aqua’s team – including technicians and operational personnel – to ensure continuity for existing and new clients. Aqua will continue to trade under its current name, in recognition of its well-established and respected brand, and operate from Dublin. Aqua’s leadership Mark Bridges, CEO of Ranger Fire and Security, said: “Aqua Fire Prevention is a standout addition to Ranger. Its well-earned and long-standing reputation, coupled with a  customer-first approach, chimes well with our ethos and makes the team a perfect fit for the Group.” “Expanding our footprint in Ireland is a major milestone for us, and with Aqua’s leadership, expertise and knowledge, we’re in a strong position to better meet the needs of Irish business, providing the highest quality fire and security services.” Quality fire and security service Brendan Mooney, Managing Director of Aqua Fire Prevention, said: “We've always been committed to delivering trusted and quality fire and security service across Ireland, and joining the Ranger Group is a huge opportunity for Aqua to take this to the next level for all of our much-valued loyal customers.” “With the backing of Mark and the Ranger team, we can expand our services and benefit from collaborating with a group of like-minded businesses, all while retaining our values and a commitment to quality that we have become well known for over our 35-year history. We will ensure that we continue  to build and develop our business, whilst enhancing our offering to all existing and new businesses to come.” Recent acquisitions of Inverness-based IRN Security Aqua’s intro into the Ranger Group marks the tenth acquisition by the company since its launch in early 2024 Aqua’s introduction into the Ranger Group marks the tenth acquisition by the company since its launch in early 2024, and the third of 2025 alone – following the recent acquisitions of Inverness-based IRN Security and North-West based McGoff & Vickers Fire & Security Systems. These acquisitions enable Ranger to continue expanding its offering in all key areas of F&S services, including fire detection and alarms, extinguisher maintenance and passive fire and security services. Comprehensive range of 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 security sector, offering a comprehensive range of services through both regional and national operations, and providing a seamless customer experience.