Advance Security acquired by New Path Fire and Security

Advance Security is a provider of security systems and fire alarms from its headquarters in Cambridgeshire. The company was established in 1999 and has developed a loyal customer base throughout East Anglia. Over the years, Advance Security has experienced considerable growth including the acquisition of a competitor in 2012, which enabled it to grow its client base to include two blue chip businesses.

Advance Security’s shareholders, Paul Mantovani, Jeffery Sheppeard and Fiona Sheppeard, approached KBS Corporate with the sale of their business in order to facilitate the retirement of one shareholder and prepare for the future exit of the other shareholders.

KBS implemented a diverse research strategy with a primary focus on UK trade buyers. This was supported by the use of crossmatching and online advertising.

The opportunity attracted 76 interested parties and KBS was able to utilise this high level of interest to generate three competing offers. The successful offer came from New Path Fire and Security Ltd, a group specialising in fire and security compliance businesses. The group is actively seeking growth through acquisition, with Advance Security being the group’s fourth acquisition.

Paul Mantovani, Advance Security Limited Managing Director, will remain with the company post-sale.

“From the moment we contacted KBS for our business sale, they were very proactive and worked hard to find us a suitable buyer,” affirmed Paul. “We were quite specific in needing a buyer who would want to retain all the staff and ensure continuity for all the team.

“KBS found us around 10 potentials and we narrowed them down to the last three who we met before finalising our decision. Throughout the process, KBS arranged all the liaisons promptly and pushed the buyers to achieve the desired outcome for us.”

Fabio Rambelli, KBS Corporate Associate Director, advised Advance Security Limited throughout the process.