Ranger Fire and Security has announced its acquisition of Plymouth-based Universal Fire and Security Ltd, marking its strategic expansion into the South West of England and further strengthening its growing UK and Ireland footprint.
The acquisition, confirmed on 1 December 2025, brings Ranger into Devon and Cornwall for the first time. Founded in 2001 by Mark Gibson, Universal Fire and Security has developed from a security focused business into a comprehensive fire and security services provider with a strong reputation for technical expertise and customer service across the region.
Universal offers a full range of fire and security solutions, including intruder alarms, CCTV, fire detection and alarm systems, automatic opening vent systems, access control, emergency lighting, call systems, fire extinguishers, monitoring services and automatic gates and barriers. The business is predominantly focused on maintenance and maintenance-related services, which account for more than 90 percent of its activity, supported by new installations for a long standing and loyal customer base.
Under the deal, Universal will continue to operate under its existing name and leadership team, working closely with other Ranger businesses to provide a one stop fire and security solution across the South West and beyond. The company’s customer focused approach and emphasis on recurring maintenance services closely align with Ranger’s strategy of building a national network of trusted, service led specialists.
By joining the Ranger Group, Universal will gain access to enhanced operational and technological support, as well as increased opportunities for collaboration and cross selling across the wider network. Ranger says the acquisition represents another important step in its ambition to combine strong regional expertise with a unified national offering.
Mark Bridges, Chief Executive Officer of Ranger Fire and Security, said: “We are honoured to be chosen by Mark and team in a highly competitive process to be his partner moving forward and opening the next chapter as part of the Ranger Group.
“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 our 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.”
Universal becomes Ranger’s thirteenth acquisition since its launch in early 2024 and its sixth in 2025, following recent additions including B-Safe Group and Aqua Fire Prevention in Ireland and IRN Security in Scotland. Backed by Hyperion Equity Partners, Ranger continues to pursue its goal of becoming a leading one stop provider of fire and security services across the UK and Ireland.
