Permira, a London-based investment firm, has announced its acquisition of Encore Fire Protection for around $1.8 billion, including debt. This significant transaction highlights Permira's strategic entry into the growing fire safety market, as reported by Bloomberg.

Encore Fire Protection, led by CEO Jeremy O'Connor, specializes in a wide range of fire safety services, including the inspection, installation, and maintenance of fire alarms, extinguishers, and sprinklers. Previously, the company was backed by Levine Leichtman Capital Partners.

In a statement, an Encore spokesperson expressed enthusiasm about partnering with Permira, emphasizing that the collaboration aligns with their vision for the future. They reassured stakeholders that the company's leadership, team, culture, and values will remain intact as they embark on this new chapter.

The acquisition reflects a broader trend in the fire safety sector, which has become increasingly attractive to institutional investors. This interest is driven by the industry's stable revenue streams and resilience during economic fluctuations. According to IndexBox, the global fire protection market was valued at approximately $64.4 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at an annual rate exceeding 7% until 2030, fueled by rising infrastructure development and stringent safety regulations.

The appeal of the fire safety sector is further underscored by recent transactions, such as Pye-Barker Fire & Safety selling minority stakes to GIC Pte. and a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. This trend indicates a growing recognition of the sector's potential among global investors.