The Riverside Company Sparks Further Interest in Fire Protection Industry

The Riverside Company, a global private investor focused on the smaller end of the middle market, has invested in Ace Fire Protection, a full-service fire protection business serving the greater Lafayette, Indiana region. This investment is the 20th add-on to Riverside’s portfolio company, CertaSite, a leading provider of customer service, responsiveness, building safety and code compliance.

CertaSite provides the highest level of service and offerings to customers across the Midwest. The company goes beyond compliance, focusing on partnerships and professionalism while providing customers a simplified and dependable solution to managing all of the fire protection and life safety systems in commercial buildings.

“The Riverside team continues to bring complementary businesses under the CertaSite umbrella,” said Riverside Micro-Cap Fund (RMCF) Managing Partner Loren Schlachet. "With the acquisition of Ace Fire Protection, we’ve strengthened our geographical footprint and enhanced our value proposition to customers.”

“Ace Fire Protection is the perfect fit for our growing portfolio of fire and safety services,” said Riverside Partner John McKernan. “And we plan to continue both our organic and inorganic growth strategy by looking for additional add-ons.”

This acquisition is another example of Riverside’s commitment to investing in the Business Services industry. The firm has completed more than 320 investments in this area and has a team of global experts dedicated to growing companies in this specialization.

Working with Schlachet and McKernan on the deal for Riverside were Vice President Kenneth Johnson, Associate Caitlin McGrath, Finance Director Bart Thielen and Operating Partner Cathy Skula. Principal, Origination, Cheryl Strom sourced the deal for Riverside.