Ranger Fire and Security has announced its strategic acquisition of Universal Fire and Security Ltd, a Plymouth-based company, signifying Ranger's expansion into South West England.
Founded in 2001 by Mark Gibson, Universal initially focused on security services before branching out into fire protection, earning a solid reputation throughout Devon and Cornwall for its technical proficiency and customer service.
Comprehensive services and customer loyalty
Universal Fire and Security offers a wide range of services, including intruder detection systems, CCTV, fire alarms, automatic opening vent (AOV) systems, access control, emergency lighting, call systems, fire extinguishers, maintenance, monitoring, and automatic gates and barriers.
The majority of Universal's operations, over 90%, focus on maintenance-related services, with a smaller portion dedicated to new installations for its loyal customer base.
The company's dedication to a customer-focused business model aligns closely with Ranger's nationwide strategy of building a network of fire and security specialists driven by customer service.
A strategic move for Ranger
Joining the Ranger Group provides Universal with enhanced operational and technological support
Joining the Ranger Group provides Universal with enhanced operational and technological support, as well as increased opportunities for cross-selling and collaboration within South West England and the greater Ranger network.
This acquisition marks another key step in Ranger's goal to develop a truly national provider of fire and security services that combines regional expertise with a unified approach centering on customer needs.
Mark Bridges, CEO of Ranger Fire and Security, expressed gratitude for being chosen by Mark Gibson and his team, stating: “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.”
Growth and expansion goals
Mark Gibson, the founder and managing director of Universal, commented on the company's pride in a loyal customer base, attributing it to the high-quality services they provide throughout the South West. He also noted the advantages of joining the Ranger Group, emphasising the operational expertise that will help enhance service quality and broaden their operational reach beyond the South West.
Universal's integration into Ranger represents the thirteenth acquisition for the group since early 2024 and the sixth this year, strengthening Ranger's presence across the UK and Ireland. This move builds on recent acquisitions such as B-Safe Group and Aqua Fire Prevention in Ireland, and IRN Security in Scotland.
With support from Hyperion Equity Partners, Ranger aims to become a pioneering provider of fire and security services across the UK and Ireland, supported by strategic acquisitions, and investments in technology and talent.
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.
