Protection One Expands Through New Mexico and Alabama Acquisitions

Protection 1, the second-largest business and home security company in the U.S., announced the acquisition of Las Cruces, N.M.-based Central Alarm Inc., and Montgomery, Ala.-based Advanced Solutions Inc., adding to its impressive portfolio of service-focused commercial and residential security entities.

Protection 1 will gain over 2,000 accounts through these acquisitions and incorporate additional technicians and sales representatives.

“We're very pleased to announce the strategic acquisition of these two companies, which help us improve our company's reach and scope and maintain our relentless focus on providing top-notch customer service to new Protection 1 customers,” said Timothy J. Whall, Protection 1 CEO. “While organic growth is our primary focus, we continue to look for acquisitions that provide not only a stable customer base, but additional technical capabilities. For example, the Camtronics Security Integration acquisition completed back in March gave us additional video service capabilities in our offering for national accounts.”

“We are seeing many more opportunities for acquisition as more and more small to medium-sized alarm company founders look to exit the industry or join a bigger team with better service capabilities,” said Dan Bresingham, Protection 1 CFO. “Owners who have built their reputation on customer service and live in these communities are reluctant to sell if there are concerns about how customers will be taken care of long term. Our reputation and commitment to customer experience has given us an edge in finding the right opportunities for our company. Having one of, if not the lowest, attrition rates in the industry, we take great pride in making sure our acquisition candidates fit a profile that includes high customer satisfaction.”

Paramount to Protection 1's culture is a second-to-none emphasis on customer satisfaction, high-quality products and reliable service and maintenance. This is evidenced by Protection 1's introduction of such services as Tech Tracker, which provides customers text and email updates including photos and credentials of who their technician will be and when they will arrive, eliminating the need for customers to wait at their home or business for long periods of time. The company has also eliminated its automated attendant, committing to answering customer calls within one ring.

“I decided to stay with Protection 1 because I liked what I saw, respected the way they think and treat their customers and wanted the opportunity to be part of something bigger,” said Tony Pryor, the original owner of Central Alarm Company, who will remain with the company following the acquisition.