Harrison Drury advises Walker Fire on latest acquisition

Fast-growing fire safety specialist Walker Fire has expanded into the south west of England with the acquisition of Cornwall-based Fire Crest Fire Protection Ltd.

Preston-headquartered Walker Fire, part of the Moyne Roberts Group, has acquired Fire Crest from its shareholders, husband and wife team Robert and Nicola Catanzaro for an undisclosed seven-figure sum.

Both businesses specialise in providing a wide range of fire safety solutions, including fire suppression systems, fire safety equipment and servicing, fire safety training and risk assessment services.

Fire Crest has 24 staff and Robert and Nicola will remain part of the management team for an interim period.

Our corporate team advised Walker Fire on the acquisition. The deal team was led by corporate solicitor Jack Stephenson, supported by Kate Shawcross, senior associate solicitor in the employment team. Stuart Hinnigan of Scott & Wilkinson accountants also advised Walker Fire.

David Cosgrove, managing director of Walker Fire, said: “Fire Crest is a very well-respected business within the fire safety industry in the south west of England. We are acquiring a highly experienced team with a fantastic network of customers that will continue to receive the highest levels of service and quality.

“Our determination to be a leading fire safety business across the UK and Europe remains undiminished and we continue to explore further acquisition and growth opportunities.”

Jack Stephenson, corporate solicitor at Harrison Drury, said: “Fire Crest has built a strong reputation in the region for its experience, product knowledge, and customer service. It is therefore a great bolt-on acquisition for Walker Fire, allowing it to further expand its geographic reach and achieve business growth.”

Stuart Hinnigan, partner at Scott &Wilkinson, added: “Fire Crest is a quality business and the acquisition represents a further significant step forward by Walker Fire in its nationwide expansion.  It is an excellent strategic fit and provides a platform for further growth and development of the business in the south west region.”

Walker Fire was founded more than 75 years ago and became part of the family-owned Moyne Roberts Group, one of Europe’s largest manufacturers of fire safety equipment, in 1990.

Walker Fire has 12 offices across the UK and the Republic of Ireland, as well as operations in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and the Middle East.