Fortis Fire & Safety has acquired two fire and integrated security brands: Integrated Fire and Security Solutions (IFSS) of Ft. Myers, Fla., and Diversified Systems Inc. (DSI) of Raleigh, N.C. 

IFSS operates branch locations in Tampa, Miami, Orlando, and Tallahassee. DSI has been part of IFSS since October 2021. The family-owned business — founded by Managing Partner John Peterson and grown by Justin Peterson, Jesus Carias and John Sartori — has been providing fire alarm and integrated security systems for over 18 years. Justin will continue in his role as president of IFSS, while John and Jesus will continue their roles overseeing DSI and Miami operations, respectively. Additionally, Justin Peterson will join the Fortis Owners’ Advisory Council. 

“After considering several capable partners, the entire IFSS and DSI management team saw Fortis as the top choice. Their culture and customer-focused business model align with ours, and they bring the capital needed to invest in our people and support our growth,” stated Justin Peterson. “Starting today, we’re all part of Fortis, and we couldn’t be more excited for the future.” 

Headquartered in Chicago, Fortis Fire & Safety was launched in January 2021 by Toronto-based Imperial Capital, a lower middle market private equity firm. 

“We are honored to have been chosen by Justin, Jesus, and John as their partner for this next step in their journey. Their expertise, product offerings, geographical coverage and customer base will elevate Fortis to a new level in both fire alarm and integrated security," says Rich Ennis, CEO and founder of Fortis Fire & Safety. 

The acquisition is said to enhance Fortis’s strategy of building multi-regional capabilities and expands its presence in Florida. The combination of IFSS with the current Florida-based Fortis brands, LifeSafety Management and Piper Fire Protection provides customers with expanded services to include a full spectrum of fire and life safety systems. 

TM Capital (a division of Janney Montgomery Scott) served as exclusive financial advisor to IFSS.