Pye-Barker Fire & Safety has acquired Bates Security, a leading security and alarms systems provider in the Southeast.

Bates Security, ranked No. 34 on the 2024 SDM 100, is headquartered in Lexington, Ky., and operates additional offices in Prestonsburg, Ky., and in Jacksonville, Vero Beach, and Lake Placid, Fla. With these additions, Pye-Barker gains new customers throughout Kentucky, Florida and South Georgia.

Bates Security, founded in 1984 by Sonny and Pat Bates, is a leader in security and fire alarms, access control, video surveillance and integrated life safety systems. Sonny, a former U.S. Air Force military police officer, developed an interest in security systems while working for the Dallas Police Department. He saw firsthand how effective the technology could be, and he and his wife Pat soon entered the security industry. Today the business is run by their sons, Jeremy and Bryan Bates.

“In looking at the different options we had in selling our business, there was no doubt Pye-Barker was the best fit for our company, our team and my family,” said Jeremy Bates, who serves as president and co-owner. “I have paid close attention these last two years to dealers that have sold to Pye-Barker. Everyone I talked to said they were extremely happy in selling to them, and Pye-Barker honored all their promises to them and to their employees.”

The Bates Security team and culture, with Pye-Barker’s support, will continue to serve customers in the Southeast, according to an announcement.

“Pye Barker’s mission and their team are simply energizing,” said Bryan Bates, co-owner. “We have been focused on growth while maintaining quality for over 50 years, and now we have the backing of a much larger organization to help us reach new heights of opportunity for our employees and value for the clients they serve. Our passion statement of ‘Building a great company by enabling personal success’ is perfectly in line with Pye-Barker’s mission. We cannot wait to see what the future holds.”

Pye-Barker CEO Bart Proctor, stated, “The Bates family has created an impressive and highly successful business with a foundation of values that align with Pye-Barker. Together, we will continue to uphold the local feel that has made Bates Security integral to its communities and a great place to work for all team members.”

Bates Security was represented by Mark Sandler, managing director at SPP Advisors, in the undisclosed transaction.

Pye-Barker Fire & Safety bills itself as the largest fully integrated and full-service fire protection, life safety and security services provider in the United States. The company, with more than 200 locations and 6,000 team members nationwide, ranked and No. 8 on the 2024 SDM 100.