Success Stories

EA-RS Fire Engineering Group acquires Added Security Technology

by Katy Hewett-Stanley
Posted 2023

About Added Security Technology (London) Ltd (“AST”)

Known as AST London, the business has built an exceptional name in bringing security to communities – with special strength in the campus and social residential market. AST has grown since 1992 to become a well-respected name in the safety and security industry. It is the ‘go-to’ company for installing, maintaining, and upgrading security technology systems. Working alongside property development companies, construction companies and electrical contractors on new property builds and refurbishments, AST’s teams in London deliver prompt, expert safety and security solutions. Customers include housing associations, care providers, universities, schools and commercial clients.

About EA-RS Fire Group (“EA-RS”)

EA-RS Fire Group is a Rockpool Investments-backed fire protection systems provider, also based in the UK. The group provides full end-to-end solutions to clients in the commercial, critical infrastructure (including data centres), and social housing sectors. They design, supply, install and maintain fire-detection, fire-alarm, gas-suppression, water mist, sprinkler and security systems.

Philip Hornsby, Managing Director of AST commented:

“On behalf of the team at AST we are all excited about the acquisition and delighted to join forces with EA-RS Group in their future growth strategy. The Entrepreneurs Hub team led by Andrew Shepperd were selected to represent us for the completeness of their business sale methodology – coupled with their experienced, qualified, and friendly staff. This winning formula ultimately ensured we were thoroughly prepared to meet with a select group of approved companies researched and confidentially contacted on our behalf by the Entrepreneurs Hub team. I would like to thank Entrepreneurs Hub for their first-class support and leadership, and for completing this transaction on our behalf. Their input and dedication throughout made the whole process much smoother for all concerned. I would have no hesitation in recommending EH to any business owner considering a sale or succession strategy for their company.”

Entrepreneurs Hub Director and Co-Founder, Andrew Shepperd who led the transaction team commented:

“It has been a pleasure to work with AST and EA-RS on the completion of this transaction. Both companies have an excellent ESG focus with real community impact that brings residents tangible benefits in safety and security to individual residents and families. AST and EA-RS have a unified and resolute purpose – to deliver compliant systems to the very highest standards for their customers. With the support and backing of the EA-RS and Rockpool team we wish everyone great success in building upon their already excellent reputation and client relationships for continued sustainable growth.”

Guy Ellis, Partner at Rockpool said:

“The acquisition of AST is a pivotal moment for EA-RS Fire Group on their buy-and-build journey. The acquisition expands the Group’s product and service offering to its customer base and adds significant scale to the London division of the business. We are excited to continue to back the EA-RS Fire Group’s Management Team to realise their vision of building a market-leading, customer-first fire and security group.”

Alan Wheal, CEO of EA-RS said:

“AST is a unique and focused specialist access control and door entry company with direct links to many of the largest housing associations in the London market. The synergies with CCSS Fire & Security will be an incredible addition and the Group can learn from a fully employed, fully trained, and fully focused engineering team who provide excellent returns by “sticking to their knitting”.

Sarah Kerr, Managing Director of CCSS Fire & Security added:

“The Team at CCSS Fire & Security are extremely excited about the Group’s most recent acquisition of AST. This new venture will allow us the opportunity to broaden our geographic reach and further develop our service offering to all our existing clients and also allow us to develop new client relationships within the London and Southeast region.  I look forward to integrating AST as part of the CCSS London division.

With the support of EA-RS Fire Group, we at CCSS are excited to join forces with AST to deliver the highest standard of fire and security across the UK, particularly in the social housing market. I am personally looking forward to a successful and positive future with AST as part of CCSS Fire & Security”.

Entrepreneurs Hub, Director, Tim Allaston said:

“I am absolutely delighted with the outcome. It has been a real pleasure working with the AST shareholders, supporting them throughout their journey and achieving the result we set out to achieve. AST is a great business which I believe will continue to thrive under the ownership of EA-RS Fire Group. We wish everyone at AST all the very best of success as they enter a new chapter.”

AST London was advised by Entrepreneurs Hub, Mackrell (Guvvy Sandhu) and LDP Luckmans.

EA-RS Fire Group were advised by Mills & Reeve LLP and HMT LLP.

Entrepreneurs Hub (“EH”), co-founded by Malcolm Murray and Andrew Shepperd, is a boutique corporate finance firm with hubs in London, Hampshire, Birmingham and Manchester. Entrepreneurs Hub provide expert advice to business owners and shareholders in order to grow, prepare and sell their business to maximise value and, most importantly, sell first time. They believe that proper preparation, quality research to highlight a choice of potential buyers and experienced negotiation skills will result in a successful outcome for their clients.

Contact Malcolm Murray 07899 913220 or Andrew Shepperd 07517 103407

Email – malcolm@entrepreneurshub.co.uk

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"The Entrepreneurs Hub team led by Andrew Shepperd were selected to represent us for the completeness of their business sale methodology - coupled with their experienced, qualified, and friendly staff. This winning formula ultimately ensured we were thoroughly prepared to meet with a select group of approved companies researched and confidentially contacted on our behalf by the Entrepreneurs Hub team. I would like to thank EH for their first-class support and leadership, and for completing this transaction on our behalf. Their input and dedication throughout made the whole process much smoother for all concerned. I would have no hesitation in recommending Entrepreneurs Hub to any business owner considering a sale or succession strategy for their company.”
Philip Hornsby
Managing Director

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