ADS Security Expands Tenn. Footprint With CrimeWatch Acquisition
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — With its purchase of CrimeWatch Security, ADS Security has expanded its footprint in Chattanooga, Tenn., a market ADS has served since 1997. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Founded in 1990, CrimeWatch Security installs burglar and fire alarms to a 90% residential, 10% commercial client base in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee. When the founders decided to go into retirement, it was a no-brainer that they would sell the company to ADS. Over the course of several years, the two companies had built a strong relationship, according to Patrick Ritter, vice president and controller for ADS.
“We knew a lot about each other’s businesses, so it was a natural fold-in to our Chattanooga branch,” he tells SSI.
Part of what appealed to ADS about CrimeWatch was that throughout its 20-year history, the company provided great customer service and had a stable customer base with low attrition, according to Patrick Ritter, vice president and controller, ADS.
Ritter declined to elaborate on how many accounts or how much RMR the deal brings in, but says former CrimeWatch clients will benefit from ADS’ offerings, such as its Aniware remote management service. New customers will also have access to the firm’s CSAA Five Diamond monitoring center and a customer portal with online bill pay.
ADS will continue with its acquisition strategy as it continues to expand throughout the region, Ritter says.
“We are very proactive in reaching out to companies throughout the Southeast,” he says. “When we find companies, we like to get to know them. We’ve sown a lot of seeds over the last few years. Maybe they’re not ready to sell today, but maybe a few years down the road they will.”
So, what exactly does ADS look for in potential sellers?
“Superior customer service is important, low attrition rate and if they have their accounts programmed to a phone line that they own and control are all important elements of our selection,” Ritter explains.
It’s also vital that security companies seeking to sell their business have a properly worded customer agreement, and they must fit into the ADS Security culture.
Established in 1990, ADS provides security and life-safety installation and monitoring services to more than 70,000 commercial and residential customers throughout the southeastern United States.
If you enjoyed this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our FREE digital newsletters!
Related Content
Security Is Our Business, Too
For professionals who recommend, buy and install all types of electronic security equipment, a free subscription to Commercial Integrator + Security Sales & Integration is like having a consultant on call. You’ll find an ideal balance of technology and business coverage, with installation tips and techniques for products and updates on how to add to your bottom line.
A FREE subscription to the top resource for security and integration industry will prove to be invaluable.
