PAOLI, Penn., and JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. — Zeus Fire and Security, a portfolio company of Baltimore-based Access Holdings, recently announced the acquisition of Alcoa, Tenn.-based Gallaher & Associates.
This transaction “positions Gallaher to accelerate growth while preserving its 50-year legacy of excellence in fire, security and communication solutions,” according to the announcement by MacGuard Security Advisors, Inc., who served as Gallaher’s consultant in the transaction.
MacGuard’s specialized consulting expertise “guided the Gallaher family and leadership team through the critical decision-making process, ensuring alignment between Zeus’s national platform and Gallaher’s deep-rooted Tennessee market presence,” the announcement says.
Why Did Zeus Fire and Security Acquire Gallaher?
“We take immense pride in facilitating strategic alliances that strengthen the security industry while respecting the legacy of family-built businesses,” says Kirk MacDowell, founder and CEO of MacGuard Security Advisors, Inc., and 2024 SSI Industry Hall of Famer, in the company announcement.
“Zeus has acquired one of Tennessee’s most respected and treasured companies, positioning them to accelerate their already impressive growth trajectory,” he says. “Our role was to ensure this partnership would benefit not only both organizations but also the customers and communities they serve.”
The partnership unites Zeus, a national platform company formed in 2022, with Gallaher, Tennessee’s premier life safety systems provider since 1973.
This strategic alliance “expands Zeus’s geographical reach into Tennessee and the broader southeastern U.S. while providing Gallaher with enhanced resources, innovative technology and national support capabilities,” according to the MacGuard Security Advisors announcement.
Max Thomas, president of Gallaher & Associates, emphasized the value of the partnership.
“Partnering with Zeus Fire and Security marks an exciting next chapter for Gallaher,” he says in the MacGuard announcement. “For over 50 years, our team has been committed to providing trusted solutions and building lasting relationships with our customers.
“Joining forces with Zeus allows us to enhance that mission with expanded resources, innovative technology, and a national support system all while continuing to deliver the local service our customers rely on,” says Thomas.
“We are thrilled to welcome Gallaher to the Zeus family,” says Scott R. Elkins, CEO of Zeus Fire and Security, in the MacGuard announcement. “Their history of excellence and deep-rooted community impact aligns seamlessly with our mission.”
