Cross-Fire & Security Rebrands as Altus Fire and Life Safety, Names John Adams CEO
The fire and life-safety services platform of AE Industrial, Altus consists of four businesses that have been acquired over the last year.
BOCA RATON, Fla. — AE Industrial Partners, a U.S.-based private equity firm specializing in aerospace, defense & government services, space, power and utility services, and specialty industrial markets, announce it has rebranded its fire and life safety services platform to Altus Fire and Life Safety.
Concurrently, Altus announces that John Adams has joined the company as chief executive officer, effective immediately.
Previously known as Cross-Fire & Security Co., Altus is a full-service life-safety company specializing in the design, engineering, installation, maintenance, monitoring and servicing of state-of-the-art fire and life-safety services and systems.
Altus currently consists of four businesses, each of which will continue to go to market under their brand names. The businesses include Cross-Fire & Security, which serves the New York City tri-state area; Alarm & Suppression, which operates in northeastern New York and Vermont; NISCO, which serves Massachusetts; and Adcock, which focuses on the greater Washington D.C. area. AEI launched the platform in May 2021.
“Less than a year ago AEI set out to build a respected fire and safety platform. Given the tremendous traction we’ve enjoyed, and now that we’re under the leadership of a new CEO, it made sense to rebrand under a new, unique name,” says Charlie Santos-Buch, partner at AEI. “We believe that the Altus name will soon become synonymous with innovation and quality in the broader fire and life safety sector, just as our business brands have done in their respective markets.”
Adams, a senior executive with deep experience driving growth in diverse industries including technology, most recently served as CEO of Mission Secure, Inc., a venture capital-backed, global cybersecurity software/hardware solution and services provider. He previously served in senior leadership roles at SecureAmerica, G4S and Waratek, among others.
“John’s proven experience in building companies, including through M&A, will be invaluable as we look to further grow the platform, and we welcome him to the team,” says Brian Hess, vice president at AEI. “As part of Altus, our businesses benefit from the guidance of experienced industry leaders while gaining the resources to invest in cutting-edge technology and training. It’s a win-win for both employees and customers.”
Adams adds, “Joining Altus at this stage of the company’s development is a tremendous opportunity. I look forward to partnering with AEI to identify new strategic acquisitions to expand the Altus footprint along the East Coast and beyond, while successfully integrating our existing Altus brands, which represent true industry leaders.”
Altus has also partnered with key industry executives, including Board Chair Kelly Romano, an AEI Operating Partner with deep sector experience in fire & security and commercial building industries including over 30 years at United Technologies Corp., and Board Member Ed Cettina, a senior construction management executive previously working with AECOM and Tishman Construction.
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