Gryphon Investors Acquires Consolidated Fire Protection, LLC

Gryphon Investors, a San Francisco-based private equity firm, in an exclusive alliance with Jerry Rose, former Vice-Chairman of leading real estate services firm Jones Lang LaSalle (“JLL”), announced today that it has completed, in partnership with the existing management team, the acquisition of Consolidated Fire Protection, LLC (“CFP”), a leading fire and life safety services company, from Caltius Private Equity Partners, Westar Capital and other shareholders. Jim Didion, the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CB Richard Ellis is co-investing with Gryphon in the transaction and will also serve on the board of directors. Terms were not disclosed.

CFP, based in Irvine, California, is the largest independently-owned fire and life safety services company in the United States. The company’s Cosco and Firetrol subsidiaries operate separately in markets across the western United States, offering design, installation, inspection, repair and service of fire safety systems to protect life and property for commercial, industrial, and institutional customers.

“The fire and life safety sector is highly attractive due to increasing regulatory focus, heightened public awareness and strengthening commercial construction activity,” said David Andrews, President and Managing General Partner of Gryphon. “CFP has a leading and differentiated, one-stop fire/life safety offering, as well as a strong, long-standing reputation for quality. Gryphon, Jerry Rose and Jim Didion are all excited about the opportunity to partner and work with company management to continue its rapid expansion.”

Mr. Rose, who is also a member of Gryphon’s Executive Advisory Board, will become the Executive Chairman of CFP after the acquisition closes. Gryphon Partner, Nick Orum said, “Jerry brings significant experience and leadership capabilities developed during a successful 23-year career with JLL which will help CFP further build its position of strength within the sector. This acquisition also gives us a terrific opportunity to leverage Gryphon’s and Jerry’s experience in actively building market leading, multi-site service businesses, as well as Jim’s extensive relationships throughout the property management industry.”

“I’m excited about the opportunity to work with President Steve Shaffer and Chief Operating Officer Keith Fielding and to support their efforts,” said Mr. Rose. “Through its Cosco and Firetrol subsidiaries, CFP has a long track record as one of the highest quality and most respected companies in the fire/life safety sector and the current management team has established a unique platform that is well positioned to benefit from tremendous growth opportunities.”

Mr. Shaffer said, “Gryphon, Jerry Rose and Jim Didion are the ideal partners to support management in taking CFP to its next level of growth. We all share the same goals of building the premier fire/life safety services company through sustained growth, attracting and retaining the best talent in the industry and continuing to provide our clients the highest levels of service. In addition, Gryphon’s financial and operational resources will enable us to pursue accelerated growth through add-on acquisitions and opening new offices.

About Gryphon Investors

Based in San Francisco, Gryphon Investors focuses on leveraged acquisitions of, and growth investments in, middle-market companies in partnership with experienced management. Having managed more than $1 billion of discretionary equity capital, Gryphon has an extensive track record of investing $25 to $75 million of its own capital in companies with sales ranging from $25 to $250 million. Gryphon prioritizes investment opportunities where it can form proactive partnerships with owners and executives to build leading companies, utilizing Gryphon’s capital, professional resources and significant financial and operational expertise. Visit www.gryphoninvestors.com for more information.

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