EA-RS Group acquires APW Fire Protection Ltd further accelerating one solution offering

EA-RS Group, a provider of intelligent, sustainable, compliant fire and security systems and services, today announced that APW Fire Protection Ltd (APW), a leading approved designer and installer of Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems, has joined the Group. APW is the ninth company EA-RS Group has acquired since last year, following the successful acquisitions of CCSS Fire & Security, AST London, UK Security Doors, Crane Communications, Firesec Compliance, Air Projects, Essex Fire Sprinklers, and Vulcan Fire.

Based in Belfast, APW has extensive experience across the UK and Ireland in the design, supply, installation, and maintenance of leading class Sprinkler Systems for the commercial, industrial, residential, and domestic markets. APW’s leading reputation and service offering is a great asset to EA-RS Group and complements the development of the Group’s strategy as we continue to enhance our one solution offering across the UK and Ireland.

APW is the second Northern Ireland (NI) based business to have joined the Group, following the acquisition of Crane in 2021. The NI market holds significant opportunities, further strengthening our geographical reach and enabling synergies between all businesses within the group.

Guy Ellis, Partner at Rockpool said, “The acquisition of APW Fire Protection is a great opportunity for EA-RS Group to expand their service provision in Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland with their client base covering these geographies. This is the first of many high-quality acquisitions following the successful £40m refinancing provided by Ares and Barclays. We are delighted to see the group continue to deliver their commitment to becoming one of the leading fire and security groups in the UK.”

Alan Wheal, CEO of EA-RS Group said, “The addition of APW into the group is of great significance, being our second acquisition in Northern Ireland, and providing even further opportunities for growth in this region and surrounding areas. This acquisition presents many Sprinkler System cross-selling opportunities and synergies, in particular with Circum Fire Engineering, and is a great asset to the current group offering. A very warm welcome to the team at APW!”

Adrian Mulholland, Managing Director of APW said, “I am very much looking forward to this exciting new phase of APW joining EA-RS Group. APW is a successful, forward-thinking business, and with the support of EA-RS Group will excel in the new opportunities and benefits this journey presents. Together we will continue to enjoy growth in the fire protection market in Northern Ireland and ROI.”

In 2021, EARS Group was backed by Rockpool Investments and RCL Partners, with both investors providing capital to deploy into the Group’s buy and build strategy to consolidate the UK fire and security market. EA-RS Group greatly appreciate the support and hard work of the teams who assisted this deal. Financial due diligence provided by Rodney McCaughey of HNH; Legal support and due diligence provided by Richard Coleman at Stephenson Harwood, and Darren Marley and Emma McColskey at Mills Selig; Insurance due diligence provided by Daniel White at Consort; and Management due diligence conducted by Jim Rathbone and Cora Lynn Rathbone at Rathbone Results.