UTC Fire and Security Continues to Expand

UTC Fire & Security, perhaps known best in the security and safety market space for its companies Lenel Systems International, Chubb and Kidde, isn't slowing down as it continues to reformulate itself into one of the top global security, fire and safety solutions providers.

The company announced in April of this year that it was purchasing Initial Electronic Security Group (IESG) from Initial's former parent Rentokil, which was essentially getting out of the security business. UTC reported this week that the acquisition of Initial has been completed. The move especially strengthens UTC's security base in Europe, where IESG was strong, but the move also expanded UTC Fire & Security right here at home in the U.S.

On the same note, UTC Fire & Security announced this week that it is purchasing a stake in Alba Control Systems Ltd., a leading security and control systems integrator based in India. Founded in 1989 and headquartered in Gurgaon, India, Alba Control Systems services, installs and integrates a wide variety of security technologies, from biometrics to video surveillance, perimeter security, access control and more. Alba has been integrating Lenel products since 2001.

According to Nikhil Pathak, the general manager of Kidde India, the purchase of a stake in Alba broadens UTC Fire & Security's reach in that country. "The addition of Alba rounds out our current product offerings," said Pathak.

But UTC Fire & Security didn't stop with its acquisition of IESG and partial purchase of Alba. The company also expanded deeper into China with the acquisition of Shanghai KEN E.L.V System Engineering Co., Ltd., a Chinese integration firm based in Shanghai.

This acquisition of Shanghai KEN brings aboard one of China's top integration firms. Shanghai Ken has serviced, among others, the Shanghai Mass Rail Transport authority, as well a number of heavy infrastructure facilities and office buildings. The company is primarily focused on fire and electronic security.

That move adds a significant presence to UTC Fire & Security's current operations in greater China, where it already has 13 locations and over 6,500 employees. UTC F&S has had a long-time presence in greater China with its Kidde and Chubb brands.