Fire Protection Association joins Certek Group to strengthen UK fire safety services

by Breaking NewsMergers & AcquisitionsTraining

The Fire Protection Association (FPA) has joined Certek Group in a move the organisation says will support future investment in fire safety research, training and testing across the UK.

Certek, an international provider of testing, inspection, certification and compliance services, will support the FPA as it develops its fire safety research, training and testing services for clients across the UK.

The FPA said the partnership will help secure the organisation’s future while preserving its independence, technical expertise and public benefit role.

FPA says Certek partnership will support growth

Announcing the development, Gavin Dunn, CEO of the Fire Protection Association, described the move as a “transformational moment” for the organisation.

He said: “Our partnership with Certek secures the organisation’s future while preserving everything that makes the FPA unique. It provides the investment and scale to accelerate innovation, expand our services, and strengthen our role as the UK’s leading fire safety organisation.

“Most importantly, it enables us to continue delivering independent expertise, research, and professional development that supports a safer built environment for generations to come.”

RISCAuthority research programme to continue

The FPA said Certek is committed to protecting the future of RISCAuthority, the annually funded research programme administered by the FPA on behalf of UK insurers.

RISCAuthority aims to raise resilience standards within the business community by providing research, guidance and best practice recommendations for managing fire and security risks.

The programme will continue to develop relationships with insurance partners while supporting the FPA’s wider work on risk management and resilience.

Collaboration with PartB to expand testing capabilities

Joining Certek Group will also enable the FPA to work more closely with other businesses in the group, including PartB, with which it already has a relationship through joint fire resistance testing activities.

The FPA and PartB said they will build on their existing work to create closer collaboration across the businesses, with the aim of developing a more comprehensive fire testing operation and strengthened laboratory capabilities.

Jamie Davis, Group Chief Technical Officer at PartB, said: “The FPA has spent decades leading the industry through research, testing, training, and publication of guidance, and together, our strengths complement one another perfectly.

“By working alongside the FPA, we can help drive higher standards, improve competence across the sector and ultimately have greater impact on public safety than either of us could on our own.

“We’re building something that has the potential to transform the fire safety landscape. We’ll do it carefully, thoughtfully and with a clear focus on maintaining the values, integrity and technical excellence that have made both organisations successful.”

Certek welcomes Fire Protection Association

David Harrison, Chief Executive Officer of Certek, said the group was “delighted” to welcome the FPA.

He said: “For over 75 years, the FPA has been the trusted voice of fire safety in the UK, and its reputation for independence, technical excellence, and market-leading research is second to none.

“Our partnership with the FPA will deliver investment into new research and educational projects and also enhanced testing services to better serve client and assessor requirements, all whilst safeguarding the FPA’s vital research into fire safety and the independence, rigour, and commitment to the highest standards that have defined the organisation throughout its history.”

The FPA will continue to provide training and technical services for members and clients from its head office and Training and Education Centre in Oxfordshire, and its Fire Testing Laboratory in Gloucestershire.

Dunn added: “We have secured our future and protected everything that makes this organisation special by maintaining the independence, integrity, and public benefit role that has always defined the FPA.

“With the ability to create opportunities that simply were not available to us before, I genuinely believe today marks the beginning of a very exciting new chapter for the FPA.”

Ranger’s accelerated growth strategy enters ‘new phase’ with UK and Ireland acquisitions

by Breaking NewsMergers & Acquisitions

Ranger Fire and Security has acquired two high-performing businesses across the UK and Ireland.

Scion Communications Limited is a fire safety and security solutions provider covering the South of England. Its core offering spans fire alarms, security systems and access control. This acquisition is said to build on Ranger’s earlier acquisitions of Universal, Fidelity and Partnership.

Emerald Fire Technology is a Cork-based fire and gas detection specialist, supplying, commissioning, servicing and repairing equipment for commercial and Government-funded customers across the Munster region. Located near existing Ranger business B-Safe, this acquisition builds out Ranger’s coverage in the region and adds gas detection to its product offering.

Mark Bridges, CEO of Ranger Fire and Security, said: “Scion and Emerald each bring strong reputations and complementary expertise to the Group, and we’re delighted to welcome their teams on board as we continue to build the leading fire and security platform in the UK and Ireland.”

Both businesses’ leadership teams are staying in place, preserving their customer-centric focus while creating cross-selling opportunities with other Ranger businesses nearby.

The acquisitions are the first announced since Inflexion, a European mid-market investment firm, secured a majority investment in Ranger to accelerate its growth and acquisition strategy across the UK and Ireland. The investment will support further acquisitions of high-performing local businesses and the integration of back-office functions across the Group, helping advance Ranger’s ambition to build a national fire and security platform.

Ranger Fire and Security secures Inflexion investment to drive growth strategy

by Breaking NewsMergers & Acquisitions

Ranger Fire and Security has secured majority investment from Inflexion, a European mid-market private equity firm, to accelerate its growth plans and acquisition strategy across the UK and Ireland.

The investment will support Ranger’s ongoing acquisition strategy, enabling the company to continue purchasing high-performing local fire and security businesses, a cornerstone of its growth model since launch.

It will also fund the further integration of back-office functions across the Group, a key factor behind Inflexion’s decision to invest.

It is expected that these measures will help strengthen Ranger’s ambition to build a truly national fire and security services platform, while supporting a potential move into continental Europe.

The deal follows a period of rapid growth for Ranger, which has completed more than 25 acquisitions across Great Britain and Ireland since its formation.

The Group has grown to employ more than 500 people and has achieved revenues exceeding £75 million.

Ranger has also been recognised for its growth strategy, winning the Actum Buy and Build Value Creation Award as a portfolio company of Hyperion Equity Partners.

In addition, the business has introduced an enhanced employee benefits package across the Group, with further details expected to be announced in the near future.

“This is a landmark moment for Ranger,” said Mark Bridges, CEO, Ranger Fire and Security. “In just a short space of time we’ve built a strong footprint covering all parts of the UK and Ireland.

“This investment is a strong endorsement of our strategy and the momentum we’ve built. With their support and expertise, we can accelerate our plans, scale faster and continue building a leading one-stop shop for fire and security services.”

As part of the transaction, Hyperion will be making a re-investment alongside Inflexion to support Ranger’s long term strategic goals.

All members of the Ranger leadership team will remain in post, ensuring continuity as the business enters its next phase of growth.

“Ranger has built a compelling platform and we are excited to be partnering with Mark and the team as they accelerate their next phase of growth,” said Michael Baster, Partner, Inflexion. “With a clear vision, acquisition strategy and a strong track record of integrating high-quality businesses, we see significant further opportunity ahead.”

Fidelity acquisition extends Ranger footprint into the South East

by Featured NewsMergers & Acquisitions

Ranger expands into the South East

Ranger Fire and Security has made its first acquisition in the South East with the purchase of London-based Fidelity Integrated Systems, announced on Wednesday 15 April 2026.

Ranger said Fidelity, which is based in Orpington, will act as the group’s business hub in the region.

Fidelity provides fire and safety-security services including access control, CCTV, intruder alarms and gate automation.

Its fire safety work includes detection, suppression and compliance solutions intended to minimise risk and damage to properties.

The company has served customers across London and the home counties for more than 20 years.

Its client base includes listed buildings, schools, retail stores and residential developments.

Fidelity holds NACOSS Gold accreditation for Security Systems and for Fire Alarm Systems and is fully regulated by the NSI.

The acquisition is Ranger’s 18th since its formation in early 2024 and its fifth of 2026.

Leadership and regional plans

Ranger said Fidelity Managing Director Andy Atkinson will remain in his role alongside the existing senior management teams.

Mark Bridges, CEO of Ranger Fire and Security, said: “Fidelity is Ranger’s first move into the South East and will function as the group’s leading business “hub” in the region.

“While several Ranger businesses operate nationally, the capital and South East the area has been a gap in our geography.

“With Fidelity joining the team we will be able to reach new customers and potential fire and security businesses alike, offering our extensive services to new clients while being better placed to expand our footprint through future acquisition in the region.

“We will be working closely with Andy and the wider team to support their growth and help them to continue delivering their award-winning fire and security services in the South East and beyond.”

Andy Atkinson, Managing Director at Fidelity Integrated Systems, said: “Becoming part of Ranger Fire and Security marks a significant moment for our company and will allow us to grow and enhance our service offering to our existing clients.

“At Fidelity, we pride ourselves on offering customers the highest service and we are especially looking forward to working with the other businesses under the umbrella that share our values, to help them bring their specialist services to customers in the South East.

“We will also continue to serve our existing loyal customer base in the area and provide the high level of customer service we have become known for in the region.”

Ranger said the deal forms part of its strategy to bring together local businesses into a national fire and security platform across the UK and Ireland.

Fidelity will now serve as Ranger’s regional hub in the South East while continuing to operate with its existing leadership team.

Inflexion agrees Marioff fire suppression acquisition in Finland

by Featured NewsFire SuppressionMergers & Acquisitions

Fire suppression acquisition announced

Inflexion has agreed to acquire Marioff, a Finland-headquartered supplier of high-pressure water mist fire suppression systems, in a transaction that remains subject to customary regulatory approvals.

Inflexion announced the deal and said the investment will be made by its Buyout Fund VI.

Marioff was founded more than 40 years ago and is headquartered in Vantaa, Finland.

The company provides fire protection solutions and services across the value chain, including development, manufacturing, sales, turnkey project execution and lifecycle services.

Its HI-FOG technology is used in data centres, naval vessels, cruise ships and industrial facilities in more than 70 countries.

In the latest financial year, Marioff generated revenues of $266m.

Marioff operations and growth plans

Inflexion said Marioff operates in a market shaped by increasing safety regulation and stated that the company will continue to invest in innovation and its aftermarket offering.

The firm said it will support management in accelerating growth in land-based end markets.

It also said Marioff will retain its marine customer proposition and continue to grow its service capabilities.

Inflexion described the transaction as its seventh investment in the Nordic region.

The firm also cited previous investments in safety-critical and compliance-focused businesses including Kee Safety, Noventis Safety, BES, Phenna and Celnor.

Comments from Inflexion and Marioff

Flor Kassai, Partner and Head of Buyout, Inflexion, said: “Marioff is a global leader in a truly mission critical niche, supported by strong structural growth drivers.

“Its market leading high pressure water mist technology and blue chip customer base provide an outstanding platform for further international expansion.

“We have been hugely impressed by Juha and his team and are delighted to be partnering with them for the next phase of Marioff’s growth.”

Richard Booth, Partner and Head of Industrials, Inflexion, said: “Marioff is a global champion with strong opportunities for further growth worldwide.

“We look forward to leveraging our strong sector experience to supporting the team as they build on the company’s leading position and expand its presence across key international markets.”

Juha Ilvonen, Chief Executive Officer, Marioff, said: “Inflexion’s investment recognizes the strength of our people, technology and customer relationships.

“This partnership marks the start of a new phase for Marioff – building on our 40-year foundation to accelerate growth, expand our global presence, and further strengthen the high-quality solutions we deliver to our customers.”

The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals.

LearnPro Group acquires RiVR training products and specialist team

by Featured NewsMergers & AcquisitionsTraining

LearnPro Group adds RiVR products and staff

LearnPro Group has acquired immersive training products and technologies from RiVR, adding new virtual reality and video-based learning tools across emergency services, healthcare, defence, industrial and other safety critical sectors.

LearnPro Group announced that the deal includes RiVR Link, described as a Classroom in a Box video-based training solution, alongside RiVR Fire Investigate and RiVR Crime Scene Investigate.

A team of nine specialists responsible for developing and operating the products has joined LearnPro Group as part of the acquisition.

The team is led by Bradley Woodward and will continue to work from its existing site in Southam, Warwickshire, within LearnPro Group’s global business operations.

LearnPro Group expands immersive training range

The acquisition adds the RiVR platform to LearnPro Group’s XVR simulation suite and broadens the group’s scenario-based learning offer.

RiVR’s technologies are used across the UK, North America, Asia and Australasia.

The products combine video with virtual reality and augmented reality environments built from real world burns, crime scenes and high risk scenarios.

The material states that these environments allow learners to practise decision making, evidence gathering and operational procedures in controlled settings.

RiVR Link is described as a tool that allows users to build video-based learning in an agile way.

Leaders outline the deal

LearnPro Group CEO Costi Karayannis said: “RiVR has earned a reputation for producing exciting immersive training tools and content to support a range of use cases across emergency, health, public and other high-risk settings.

“By bringing these innovations into LearnPro Group, we’re accelerating our mission to provide the most advanced, flexible, and impactful learning ecosystem available today.”

RiVR’s Bradley Friend Woodward added: “Joining LearnPro Group allows us to take the technologies we’ve built to the next level.

“This partnership gives our team the resources, reach, and strategic alignment we need to accelerate innovation and deliver even greater value to customers.

“It’s an exciting next step.”

The deal was supported by Elucid Partners’ Paul Turner and James Barraclough, who acted as sell-side corporate finance advisers to RiVR.

Total Fire Group joins Ranger to expand fire risk assessment reach

by Featured NewsMergers & Acquisitions

Ranger expands risk assessment services

Ranger Fire and Security has acquired Bolton-based Total Fire Group to strengthen its fire risk assessment capability, with the deal announced in London on Tuesday 31 March 2026.

Ranger said the acquisition adds fire risk assessment, fire risk management and consultancy services to its existing offer and brings Total Fire Group into the wider business.

Total Fire Group has operated for more than 20 years and works with social housing providers, housing associations, commercial clients and public sector organisations.

The business also provides ongoing support, guidance and management of fire risk actions through long-term client partnerships.

Ranger said the acquisition is intended to link specialist fire risk assessment work with the wider Group’s delivery services, including follow-on remedial support through its regional businesses.

Ranger adds Total Fire Group leadership and client base

Darren Baird, Founder and Group Director of Total Fire Group, will remain with the business and continue leading its operations while working with the wider Ranger Group.

Ranger said Baird, a former firefighter who held senior roles within the fire service, will also support Group strategy on mitigating and managing risk across its customer base.

Mark Bridges, CEO of Ranger Fire and Security, said: “Bringing Total Fire Group into Ranger is a critical step in strengthening our overall fire and security offering.

“As customer expectations and regulatory requirements continue to increase, having deep expertise in fire risk assessment and ongoing risk management is essential.

“Darren Baird and the team at Total Fire will help us to significantly enhance Ranger’s support for customers from the earliest stage of identifying and understanding risk, through to delivering the right solutions and long-term support.

“By working with local ‘hero’ businesses like Total Fire, we can ensure customers receive expert fire risk advice, with any issues seamlessly addressed through our wider team of experts.

“This strengthens our existing capabilities while unlocking further cross-selling opportunities, as we continue to build a national one-stop solution for all fire and security needs.”

Baird added: “Our focus has always been on helping organisations understand and manage their fire risk in a practical and effective way.

“By becoming part of Ranger, we can now take that approach further and at a larger scale, combining our consultancy expertise with Ranger’s extensive delivery capabilities.

“There is a clear opportunity to support customers more holistically, from identifying risks and then helping ensure they are properly addressed and managed over time.

“Being part of Ranger also gives us the platform to expand our reach and bring our services to more customers across the UK.”

Ranger records 17th acquisition since 2024

The deal is Ranger’s 17th acquisition since its formation in early 2024 and its fourth acquisition of 2026.

Ranger said the acquisition forms part of its strategy to bring together regional operators into a national platform serving customers across the UK and Ireland.

The company also said it has backing from Hyperion Equity Partners.

3M expands fire portfolio through $1.95 billion Madison Fire & Rescue deal

by Americas - Breaking NewsBreaking NewsMergers & Acquisitions

3M Fire deal sets out joint venture structure

3M has agreed to acquire Madison Fire & Rescue with Bain Capital through a new joint venture, with the transaction announced on 19 March and expected to close in the second half of 2026.

3M said it will contribute Scott Safety to the new company, receive $700M in cash proceeds on closing and hold a 50.1% stake, with Bain Capital holding 49.9%.

Under the terms of the agreement, 3M and Bain Capital will acquire Madison Fire & Rescue from Madison Industries for $1.95B.

The business includes rescue technology and fire suppression products sold under the Holmatro, Amkus, Task Force Tips, Fire Fighting Systems and Waterax brands.

Scott Safety and Madison Fire & Rescue products

According to 3M, the new company will combine Scott Safety’s premium Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) solutions with Madison Fire & Rescue’s wider product portfolio.

The company said the combined business is intended to serve firefighters, first responders and industrial workers.

William Brown, Chairman and CEO of 3M, said: “This strategic transaction broadens 3M’s safety portfolio, one of our priority verticals, by expanding our market reach and building scale for future growth.

“It positions us to enhance margins and generate strong free cash flow, and enables continued investment in innovations that create value for customers and shareholders.”

The transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions.

Pye-Barker completes 57 company acquisitions in 2025

by Featured NewsMergers & Acquisitions

Pye-Barker acquisition growth in 2025

Pye-Barker Fire & Safety acquired 57 fire alarm, fire sprinkler, suppression and security companies in 2025, taking its workforce to 9,000 team members across 47 states.

The company announced the figures as part of its 2025 update, which also said it entered Hawaii and Arkansas during the year.

Pye-Barker said it continued to add locally operated branch locations across the United States.

Bart Proctor, CEO of Pye-Barker, said: “Each acquisition from 2025 plays a pivotal role in our continued impact.

“Our team deliberately acquired companies that align with our values and company culture to create a team of like-minded, driven individuals nationwide.

“We plan to continue this trajectory in 2026 as we elevate fire and life safety services to take care of our customers and the communities we serve and be a superior single source partner for all life safety needs.”

Pye-Barker programmes and 2025 recognition

The update also outlined internal programmes launched in 2025, including the ALL In employee ownership program for eligible full-time team members and the What Matters community impact platform.

The What Matters platform was described as a source of support for employees during hardship and emergencies, and for local causes across the U.S. and firefighter safety work through a partnership with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

Proctor added: “Our culture and the passion of our team members for taking care of each other and their customers nationwide is what makes Pye-Barker special.

“As I look ahead to 2026, I feel confident that we will continue to enhance everything we’ve been working on at Pye-Barker, including continuing to be a great place to work, a supportive resource to our communities and a trusted safety partner to our customers.”

Pye-Barker also said it rose to number four on the SDM 100, made the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies list for the sixth time and received Great Places to Work certification in 2025.

Ranger acquires MarkOne to expand West Midlands fire safety coverage

by Breaking NewsMergers & Acquisitions

Ranger expands in the West Midlands

Ranger Fire & Security has acquired Midlands-based MarkOne Safety Solutions, extending its presence in the West Midlands and adding to its fire safety service capacity across the UK.

Ranger Fire & Security announced the deal on 11 March and said it was the group’s 16th acquisition since its formation in early 2024 and its third acquisition of 2026.

MarkOne Safety Solutions works in the design, supply, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire safety and emergency lighting systems.

The business has operated for nearly 20 years and serves customers ranging from small retail outlets to large multi-site corporate organisations.

Its work covers the full lifecycle of fire safety systems, from initial design and installation through to commissioning, service and maintenance.

Ranger said the acquisition builds on its earlier purchase of Ignis Fire Protection, another Midlands-based business, and is intended to improve regional resourcing, operational efficiency and service coverage.

Ranger and MarkOne leadership set out next steps

Ranger said MarkOne will continue to operate under the existing leadership of Managing Director Mark Haynes, with the same team remaining in place.

The company said the business will also gain access to wider operational support across the group, along with opportunities to work with other specialist companies in the portfolio.

Mark Bridges, CEO of Ranger Fire & Security, said: “MarkOne is an excellent addition to the Ranger Group, significantly strengthening our presence in the West Midlands.

“The team brings deep technical expertise across the design, supply, installation, commissioning and maintenance of fire safety systems, making the company a natural fit as we continue building a single, national platform to meet all fire and security needs.

“Following our earlier acquisition of Ignis Fire Protection, MarkOne further enhances our regional footprint in the Midlands and allows us to provide customers with an even broader range of high-quality fire safety services.”

Haynes said: “Joining Ranger represents an exciting new chapter for MarkOne.

“Since the business was founded, our focus has been on delivering high-quality fire safety systems for our customers, from design and supply through to installation, commissioning and ongoing maintenance.

“Becoming part of the Ranger Group allows us to build on that foundation and take the company to the next level.

“With the additional support, expertise and network that Ranger provides, we will be able to continue delivering the high standards that our customers have come to expect, while expanding the reach of our services across the region.”

Ranger acquisition strategy continues

Ranger said the MarkOne deal forms part of its strategy to bring regional operators into a national fire and security platform covering the UK and Ireland.

The company said it has backing from Hyperion Equity Partners and is seeking to grow through acquisitions as well as investment in technology and talent.

The latest acquisition adds another Midlands business to the group as Ranger continues its expansion activity in 2026.