Rapid Fire Safety & Security Platform Launches With Acquisition of Security & Access Systems
St. Louis-based Rapid Fire is a new multiregional “buy & build” fire-safety and security platform that seeks to “fill gaps in the commercial industry’s fragmentation.”
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Rapid Fire Safety & Security, a new multi-regional “buy & build” strategy in the fire-safety and security industries launched by founders Mike McLeod and Colin Harrold in partnership with Concentric Equity Partners (CEP), announces the acquisition of Security & Access Systems (SAS).
Based here, SAS is a provider of commercial security and fire alarm system design, installation, maintenance, monitoring, test, inspection, and repair services.
Rapid Fire will be acquiring the company from current owners and industry veterans Chris and Molly Ipiotis, who will remain with the company for an intermediate period to facilitate a transition to the Rapid Fire platform. SAS marks the first acquisition for the Rapid Fire platform since its launch in March 2022.
SAS offers comprehensive security and fire alarm solutions for commercial and government customers. Founded in 1988 by the Ipiotis’, SAS has served as a trusted provider across New Mexico for over 34 years and has installed and maintained thousands of systems, according to he company.
“As we step away in retirement from a business and industry that we admire and treasure so much, we hand the torch over to an incredible team of reputable, successful leaders. Mike McLeod and his team of visionaries bring valuable technological knowledge and experience to this team. It is which much enthusiasm and excitement that we will watch them grow and build upon the imprint we have made in this community,” says Chris Ipiotis.
The SAS team is said to have extensive experience and knowledge in system installation, repair, testing and maintenance, with a specialization in access control, intrusion, surveillance and fire alarm systems. All SAS employees will remain with the company post-close and serve as an integral part of Rapid Fire’s growth strategy in the New Mexico region.
“The company-wide focus of SAS on providing a great customer experience and cutting-edge technological solutions, along with their ‘people-first’ culture, is truly impressive and makes them an excellent partner to Rapid Fire,” says Rapid Fire CEO McLeod. “We’re thrilled to partner with Chris and his team and excited to continue building upon the company’s strong foundation in the markets they serve.”
Rapid Fire President Harrold adds, “As industry leaders and hands-on business operators, it is entrepreneurs like Chris and Molly that inspire and motivate us to drive forward and find many more ‘like-minded’ sellers, who are ready to transition and enjoy the rewards of their years of hard work, while preserving their legacy.”
Based in St. Louis, Rapid Fire says it was created after recognizing the growing divide between family-owned/entrepreneurial operators and the multi-national, powerhouse providers of commercial fire and security services, and seeks to fill gaps in the commercial industry’s fragmentation.
Adam Lucas of Concentric Equity Partners comments, “We’re thrilled to get the Rapid Fire platform launched with an ideal first partner in SAS and the Ipiotis family. The company and sterling market reputation that Chris and Molly have built over more than three decades is a testament to their leadership, and we are excited to carry on that legacy moving forward.”
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