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Security acquisitions
Pye-Barker Could Be Eyeing $6B Market Listing This Year, Report Says
The private equity owners of Pye-Barker Fire & Safety are anticipated to initiate a marketing campaign later this year to assess buyout interest in the platform company, according to PE Hub.
Altas Partners, based in Toronto, joined Los Angeles-based Leonard Green & Partners (LGP) in 2021 to acquire a majority stake in Pye-Barker for undisclosed terms. LGP had initially acquired a majority interest in the company from Carousel Partners in 2019.
It is expected that Pye-Barker will attract interest from large-cap private equity firms or other controlled investors. The joint PE sponsors could receive bids valuing the company at 17x to 20x its $350 million EBITDA, resulting in a potential deal value exceeding $6 billion, according to PE Hub, citing unnamed sources.
Harris Williams and Bank of America Securities have recently been engaged as co-sellside advisors by the PE sponsors, sources told PE Hub.
When contacted by SDM, a Pye-Barker spokesperson declined to comment on the report.
Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Alpharetta, Ga., Pye-Barker offers a comprehensive range of fire protection and security services throughout much of the United States. The company’s portfolio of services include fire alarms, fire sprinklers, portable extinguishers, restaurant fire suppression, special hazard systems, video surveillance, access control and intrusion alarms.
Under LGP and Altas ownership, Pye-Barker has grown from 1,000 employees at 80 branches in 19 states to more than 6,000 employees currently at 211 branches in 39 states. Pye-Barker has strategically acquired numerous well-established, community-rooted businesses, enabling the company to integrate a wealth of industry experience and local expertise, strengthening its market position and service offerings. Just some of the more prominent acquisitions have included Bates Security, Amherst Alarm, Briscoe Protective, Complete Security Systems, B Safe Security, Matson Alarm and Mountain Alarm.
The company — billing itself as the largest fully integrated and full-service fire protection, life safety and security services provider in the U.S.— placed No. 8 on the 2024 SDM 100 and No. 9 on the 2024 SDM Top Systems Integrators rankings. The company reported RMR in 2023 of more than $15.3 million, and more than $114.2 million in North American systems integration revenue in 2023. — Rodney Bosch, SDM Senior Editor //
Despite the fact that these much older systems represent a much greater security risk than more recent credentials, HID reports that one in three (33 percent) companies still support 125-KHz low-frequency proximity cards with 28 percent stating they still have systems in place that are compatible with traditional magnetic stripe technology (although this is down from the 2022 Physical Access Control Report, which showed 35 percent support).
// Source: HID Global
33%
GSX 2024 Gathers Global Experts to Combat Evolving Risks
In our rapidly evolving world, security professionals face an array of daunting threats across both physical and digital domains. Workplace violence, active assailants, cyberattacks, and data breaches have become all too common, jeopardizing the safety and integrity of organizations. As the frontline defenders against these perils, security experts must continually enhance their skills, knowledge, and capabilities to neutralize these dangers effectively. Mastering cutting-edge techniques, gaining in-depth understanding of emerging threats, and developing robust strategies are crucial to building a truly resilient enterprise capable of withstanding and overcoming the complex challenges of the modern security landscape.
As threats continue to escalate across both physical and digital domains, the world’s top security professionals will gather at GSX 2024, a major convergence event taking place Sept. 23-25 in Orlando, Fla. Produced by ASIS International, GSX provides a premier setting for these security experts to collaborate, share knowledge, and learn from one another. It is a key opportunity for networking, professional development, and gaining insights into the latest strategies to combat emerging risks.
At GSX, attendees will immerse themselves in a nexus of timely insights, forecasting the ominous trends that loom on the horizon and uncovering the battle-proven best practices to combat the ever-evolving risks that threaten enterprises across the realms of security risk management, digital transformation, data sanctity, and beyond. This convergence offers an opportunity to elevate your professional mastery with the potential to accrue up to 22 CPEs. Attending GSX will help equip you with advanced skills to combat emerging security threats head-on, allowing you to build a robust and resilient security posture for your organization through continuous learning and knowledge sharing.
Encompassing 200+ sessions tackling vital issues in the security profession, the GSX session lineup includes in-depth looks at timely issues within the following focus areas: Crime, Digital Transformation, Information Security, Law and Ethics, Managing Organizations, National Security, Physical and Operational Security, Professional Development, and Risk Management.
But GSX is more than just education. It’s your opportunity to connect face-to-face with security practitioners across all industries to share ideas and strategies. You’ll meet the leading solution providers showcasing the latest tools and technologies to help you activate your new knowledge.
Keynote presenters include global thought leaders discussing diplomacy and leadership and accountability in times of crisis:
- Strategic Diplomacy: Charting Paths in a Rapidly Changing World: Former Prime Minister of Finland Sanna Marin shares insights on navigating major geopolitical events during her tenure, including Finland’s accession to NATO after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. She discusses strategies for strengthening democratic alliances and resilience amidst an evolving global landscape.
- Leadership and Accountability When It Matters: Commander Kirk Lippold, United States Navy (RET.) shares his experience leading through a harrowing terrorist attack, highlighting the vital principles of integrity, personal accountability, and empowering your team as pillars of effective leadership during crises.
In addition to the conference’s primary programming, GSX 2024 will feature multiple pre-conference events on Saturday and Sunday, including two-day workshops on facility security design and ESRM, APP, CPP, and PSP certification reviews, and Secure Horizons: An Immersive Experience for Senior Security Executives. Sunday’s pre-conference programming will include workshops on ESRM and stakeholder communication, ASIS Volunteers’ Day, and the ASIS Awards of Excellence and the Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs).
All-Access Pass registrants can earn up to 22 CPEs toward their recertification whether they attend the in-person or digital experience. — Christine Murphy Peck, Chief Global Learning Officer for ASIS International //
Alarm Response: Security System Owner Expectations
According to a new white paper from Parks Associates, 86 percent of alarm system owners expect a response within half an hour, and 42 percent expect a police response within 10 minutes of an alarm. Actual police response times can be much longer than consumers expect. While there are no standardized databases to keep record of police response, the white paper cites law enforcement data analyst Jeff Asher’s analysis of 15 municipalities that share calls for service data.
// Source: Parks Associates
Minuteman Security & Life Safety Acquires Secuni of New Jersey
Minuteman Security & Life Safety has acquired systems integrator Secuni of Edison, N.J.
With the acquisition of Secuni, a well-established integrator with an experienced managed services team, Minuteman said it expands its coverage of the U.S. East Coast and its ability to service enterprise clients globally. The combined company’s engineers and field technicians now operate out of 24 office locations on the East Coast, and its program management office supports national and global clients.
Secuni, formerly known as Dynamic Security, has been providing enterprise security technology solutions for more than 20 years under the leadership of Barton Kartoz, general manager, and Victor Alexander, vice president. Secuni employs more than 60 professionals among five offices in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Florida. Kartoz, Alexander, and the entire Secuni team will continue to grow the firm’s operations and support client relationships, the announcement states.
Joe Lynch, CEO, Minuteman, said, “The Minuteman mission is to improve security and safety for our clients from Maine to Florida and beyond, and this acquisition helps us enormously. We’re particularly excited to offer Secuni’s managed services capabilities together with our Program Management service, so global security leaders can achieve a centrally-managed and consistently high level of security system performance for all their sites. Secuni also has a lot of talented young engineers, who have recently designed innovative custom safety and security solutions for industrial and pharmaceutical multinationals.”
Kartoz said, “This is such a natural combination. Both Minuteman and Secuni believe in empowering engineer-led teams to deliver client solutions that are built for long-term value. We will also now be able to directly support Secuni clients far beyond our core New Jersey territory, with added access to Minuteman’s global program management team. We’re also excited to leverage Minuteman’s advanced kitting capabilities and innovative open-architecture license plate recognition system.” //
Sciens Acquires Low Voltage Integrated Systems to Boost Calif. Operations
Sciens Building Solutions has acquired Vista, Calif.-based Low Voltage Integrated Systems (LVIS) for undisclosed terms.
With already-established locations in the Northern California and Southern California areas, LVIS further increases Sciens’ presence in the Golden State. The partnership also allows LVIS to offer its customers even more resources and expertise, while leveraging Sciens’ North American capabilities, according to an announcement.
“We chose to partner with Sciens to become part of a platform that can serve our customers locally, regionally, and nationally. Combined with the global experience and capital support of Sciens, LVIS can now invest to expand and tap into the capabilities of the Sciens network to bring even more value to our customers,” said Mike Arguijo, co-owner and president of LVIS. “We’re excited to expand our footprint with Sciens as our new partner.”
Together with John Mongillo, Arguijo took over LVIS in 2002 with a core focus on fire alarm in the commercial office space. As business grew, their areas of expertise expanded to video surveillance, access control and intercom systems for various markets, including K-12 education, biomedical, industrial and higher education. Their team of professionals specializes in the design, installation and servicing of customized low-voltage systems.
“LVIS is yet another example of a quality addition to the Sciens portfolio of companies,” said Sciens CEO Terry Heath. “Their solid reputation in Southern California pairs perfectly with our existing operations in this part of the state, allowing us to offer our customers even more amazing service, as well as creating more growth opportunities for our valued employees.”
Headquartered in San Francisco and backed by The Carlyle Group, Sciens Building Solutions is a fire and life safety company, focusing on the design, installation, provision of maintenance and inspection services for fire detection, fire sprinkler and security systems across a variety of commercial vertical markets. //
Cook & Boardman Acquires to Expand Mid-Atlantic Market Presence
The Cook & Boardman Group, a specialty distributor of commercial entry solutions and systems integration services, has acquired Bunting Door & Hardware Co. of Elkridge, Md., for undisclosed terms. The transaction includes Bunting’s LokTek division, a provider of commercial locksmith, door repair and door control installation and services.
Founded in 1983, Bunting Door & Hardware is said to be one of the largest distributors of hollow metal doors and frames, wood doors, architectural hardware, specialty doors and bath accessories in the Mid-Atlantic region, servicing commercial construction companies and institutional clients.
Bunting’s services include estimating and project management for commercial and multitenant construction projects and specification advice for architects and owners. Bunting and Loktek serve Maryland (including Washington D.C.) and Virginia.
“Bunting is one of the most respected CDH (commercial door and hardware) companies in the Mid-Atlantic region, and we are delighted to have them join the Cook & Boardman family of companies,” said David Eisner, CEO of Cook & Boardman. “Their team provides a wide range of products and services that will complement our existing offerings in the market and strengthen our leading position all along the east coast,” he added.
“Bunting has a 40-year history of fostering great relationships with all its stakeholders. Cook & Boardman will allow us to continue building that legacy while providing our employees with further growth opportunities. We are excited to join the Cook & Boardman team as they transform the industry,” said Doug McGinnis, owner and CEO of Bunting.
The company will continue to operate under the Bunting and Loktek names, and customer contacts will remain unchanged as a result of the acquisition, according to an announcement.
Platinum Equity acquired a majority interest in Cook & Boardman in 2023. Littlejohn & Co. remains a significant minority shareholder. Bunting represents C&B's fifth acquisition under Platinum Equity’s ownership.
Cook & Boardman is one of the nation’s largest providers of integrated security solutions, including physical security, access control, wireless networking, low voltage cabling, audio/visual and managed information technology products. The Cook & Boardman Security Integration Solutions division placed No. 6 on the 2024 SDM Top Systems Integrators ranking.
K&L Gates LLP served as legal advisor to Cook & Boardman. //
Fortis Fire & Safety Acquires to Expand Multi-Regional Reach
Fortis Fire & Safety has acquired two fire and integrated security brands: Integrated Fire and Security Solutions (IFSS) of Ft. Myers, Fla., and Diversified Systems Inc. (DSI) of Raleigh, N.C.
IFSS operates branch locations in Tampa, Miami, Orlando, and Tallahassee. DSI has been part of IFSS since October 2021. The family-owned business — founded by Managing Partner John Peterson and grown by Justin Peterson, Jesus Carias and John Sartori — has been providing fire alarm and integrated security systems for over 18 years. Justin will continue in his role as president of IFSS, while John and Jesus will continue their roles overseeing DSI and Miami operations, respectively. Additionally, Justin Peterson will join the Fortis Owners’ Advisory Council.
“After considering several capable partners, the entire IFSS and DSI management team saw Fortis as the top choice,” stated Justin Peterson. “Their culture and customer-focused business model align with ours, and they bring the capital needed to invest in our people and support our growth. Starting today, we’re all part of Fortis, and we couldn’t be more excited for the future.”
Headquartered in Chicago, Fortis Fire & Safety was launched in January 2021 by Toronto-based Imperial Capital, a lower middle market private equity firm.
“We are honored to have been chosen by Justin, Jesus, and John as their partner for this next step in their journey. Their expertise, product offerings, geographical coverage and customer base will elevate Fortis to a new level in both fire alarm and integrated security,” said Rich Ennis, CEO and founder of Fortis Fire & Safety.
The acquisition is said to enhance Fortis’s strategy of building multi-regional capabilities and expands its presence in Florida. The combination of IFSS with the current Florida-based Fortis brands, LifeSafety Management and Piper Fire Protection provides customers with expanded services to include a full spectrum of fire and life safety systems.
TM Capital (a division of Janney Montgomery Scott) served as exclusive financial advisor to IFSS. //
Survey: Parents Want to Mandate Camera Sharing for K-12 Emergencies
An vast majority (96 percent) of parents with K-12 school-age children in the United States support a mandate that would require schools to share security camera feeds with 911 dispatch centers during active-shooter scenarios or similar emergencies, according to a new survey.
Commissioned by Eagle Eye Networks, the survey found that a federal mandate was preferred by 56 percent of parents, 29 percent wanted a community-level requirement, and 11 percent favored a school district mandate.
Camera Sharing is a new technology that gives 911 dispatchers immediate access to security cameras during an emergency, enabling them with the potential to deliver critical incident information to first responders.
As the November election draws near, both Democrats (93 percent) and Republicans (91 percent) agree tax dollars should be allocated to fund activation of camera-sharing technology in K-12 schools.
IMAGE COURTESY OF EAGLE EYE NETWORKS
Among other key findings:
- 90 percent of those surveyed support allocating existing tax dollars to enable public K-12 schools to activate technology for 911 dispatchers to access real-time security camera feeds in emergencies;
- 86 percent of parents feel safer with a security system enabled for live video communication with a 911 dispatcher;
- Almost 80 percent of respondents feel live-feed visibility into schools via security cameras will save lives during active shooter events.
School leaders and public safety officials say camera sharing can help quickly deliver critical information when time is of the essence.
Damon Grant, co-principal of Oakland Unity Middle School, Oakland, Calif., said “The Eagle Eye Networks 911 Camera Sharing solution we’ve implemented gives first responders critical information in real-time to guide their response to an emergency in our school. The presence of this technology serves as a silent guardian, ready to act if needed, but a resource we hope we will never need.”
Bill Maverick, a security consultant and retired N.Y. State Police Special Operations Supervisor with expertise in active-shooter response training, said, “First responders often approach the scene of an emergency with very little information about the whereabouts of suspects, innocent bystanders, and the physical layout of the scene. In addition, emergency situations are not static, they’re dynamic, changing from minute to minute. Having telecommunicators feed ongoing real-time information to first responders during an active shooter incident is a game changer, with the potential to dramatically improve outcomes, and save lives.”
Eagle Eye Networks CEO Dean Drako said, “The public safety experts, school officials, and parents have spoken: There’s resounding support for getting schools across the country to utilize camera sharing technologythat will speed up emergency response and increase safety for children, educators, and first responders.”
The Eagle Eye Networks survey was conducted by Propeller Insights, a Los Angeles-based market research firm. A total of 1,034 parents of K-12 students in the U.S. were surveyed between May 26 and June 5. //
HID Acquires Vizzia Technologies to Expand RTLS Offering for Healthcare
HID, a leading provider of trusted identity solutions, announced the acquisition of Vizzia Technologies, a provider of hardware-agnostic, full-service real-time location systems (RTLS) platforms designed for healthcare and hospital applications.
The addition of Vizzia expands HID’s offering and relevance in the healthcare RTLS space, including support for asset management and tracking, as well as other use cases designed to meet the unique needs of healthcare facilities.
“Welcoming Vizzia and their innovative RTLS platform allows us to help healthcare professionals enhance the patient, visitor, and staff experience,” said Björn Lidefelt, executive vice president and head of HID. “Thanks to this acquisition, our RTLS portfolio is now better equipped to empower hospitals to optimize their layered security approach and improve overall care.”
Vizzia offers a robust RTLS platform that is built with clinicians in mind, according to the announcement. The platform includes an innovative asset management and tracking solution, which includes a modern user interface that tracks real-time location data and provides insights on equipment utilization, equipment inventory and purchasing decisions, as well as maintenance requirements. Vizzia also provides on-site managed services.
Vizzia’s solutions allow users to find equipment quickly, eliminate lost and stolen equipment, prevent hospital-acquired infections, and help healthcare facilities rent and buy only the equipment they truly need.
In addition to its asset management and tracking capabilities, the addition of Vizzia provides additional solutions to HID’s healthcare RTLS portfolio, including environmental monitoring, patient workflow, and hand hygiene compliance.
Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Atlanta, Vizzia is now part of HID’s Identification Technologies Business Area. The Vizzia solution will merge into HID’s Internet of Things Services (IOTS) Business Unit and benefit from HID’s sales and other global functions to support its offering. //
SIA & IAPSC Partner to Promote Security Consultant Collaboration
The Security Industry Association (SIA) and the International Association of Professional Security Consultants (IAPSC) are partnering to promote collaboration, content generation and knowledge sharing and elevate awareness of the security consultant profession, as well as the essential relationship consultants have with security manufacturers and integrators.
The newly announced partnership “marks a significant stride forward,” stated IAPSC President Mike D’Angelo. “Together, we aim to elevate awareness of the crucial role played by security consultants and enhance relationships across our industry. This initiative promises to broaden our collective influence and leverage innovation across all facets of security solutions.”
SIA CEO Don Erickson said, “SIA is proud to announce its new partnership with IAPSC, which will be immensely beneficial to our members and the industry overall. Security consultants play a critical role in our industry and have important relationships with practitioners, integrators, technology vendors, suppliers, project managers and others. We look forward to laying the groundwork for stronger collaboration between our associations and continuing to move the security industry forward.”
IAPSC-SIA partnership efforts will include presentations and education sessions at the IAPSC Annual Meeting and industry events including ISC West, ISC East, the SIA Vertical Insights symposium series and the SIA GovSummit conference; media engagement to grow both associations’ positions as thought leaders in the security industry; creating informative, educational articles for the SIA Technology Insights journal, the SIA Center of Excellence and the IAPSC Newsletter; participation in initiatives and activities with the SIA Standards Committee; development of IAPSC-SIA features and interviews about industry trends; and additional efforts to support SIA and IAPSC’s goals to grow awareness of security consultancy as an essential, rewarding profession and of SIA’s value to the security business and practitioner communities.
SIA and IAPSC’s partnership will formally launch Oct. 16, 1 p.m. EDT, with a jointly produced webinar, "What to Know About Hiring (and Working With) Security Consultants." The webinar will offer an inside look at the value proposition for leveraging consultants on security projects — whether you’re planning a technology refresh or scaling up for an enterprise-wide security audit. Drawing from panelists who have worked on thousands of projects, the webinar will share direct perspectives on how you can best apply consultants and unlock the most value. //
NFPA Launches NFPA Global Solutions & Acquires Dyne Fire Protection Labs
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has taken a significant step forward in enhancing its mission with the establishment of NFPA Global Solutions, a wholly-owned subsidiary focused on compliance solutions, digital products and advisory services. This initiative marks NFPA’s commitment to advancing safety through expanded offerings in fire protection and compliance, according to an announcement.
In a recently announced strategic move, NFPA Global Solutions acquired Dyne Fire Protection Labs, an independent testing laboratory specializing in maintaining compliance with essential fire protection codes and standards. The acquisition is said to underscore NFPA’s dedication to providing enhanced tools and resources to industry professionals worldwide.
Jim Pauley, president and CEO of NFPA, highlighted the evolving landscape of safety and the growing demand for advanced solutions. “NFPA Global Solutions and the acquisition of Dyne Fire Protection Labs responds directly to our customers’ needs for comprehensive products that support their critical roles,” he said. “This expansion will significantly broaden NFPA’s impact and further our mission to advance safety globally.”
Leading NFPA Global Solutions is Carlos Correia, who emphasized the strategic significance of the acquisition. “By incorporating Dyne Fire Protection Labs into NFPA Global Solutions, we strengthen our ability to offer state-of-the-art compliance testing aligned with NFPA standards,” Correia stated. “This marks the beginning of a broader strategy to introduce essential services that enhance safety and provide immense value across various industries.”
Dyne Fire Protection Labs, located in Woodbury, Minn., is an independent testing laboratory providing independent analysis of fire sprinklers, firefighting foams, antifreeze solutions and dry chemical agents to help building owners and/or their designated representatives fulfill various laboratory requirements in inspection, testing, and maintenance standards.
Mark Spaniol, CEO of Dyne Fire Protection Labs, expressed enthusiasm about joining NFPA Global Solutions. “Joining forces with NFPA Global Solutions allows us to extend our successful model and expand our global footprint," Spaniol noted. “Together, we aim to elevate safety standards worldwide through effective fire suppression compliance.” //
