A TYNESIDE security firm has made its third acquisition in two years as it grows its nationwide network.

Newcastle-based Goldshield Electronic Security has bought AIS Total Security of Nottingham for an undisclosed sum.

The company, which designs, installs and maintains alarms, security systems and fire and emergency lighting systems, already had offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh, York and London.

Stuart Glover, managing director and owner of the Goldshield group, said: “AIS’s positioning in the electronic security market complements our existing expertise in fire detection and warden control systems.

“Goldshield’s aim is to become the UK’s leading independent provider of fire and security systems to the commercial marketplace, and the acquisition of AIS is another step in establishing this position.”

Scottish entrepreneur Glover bought the company in 2009 from Grahame Shaw and Stan Johnston who founded the business in Newcastle in 1986.

AIS managing director Mike Baines said: “Being part of the bigger Goldshield network will expand our service offering, strengthen our position in growing markets and enable us to further bolster our strong management team. It means we will be better positioned to innovate at an accelerated rate and achieve a higher level of growth as we will now be exposed to other market sectors.”

AIS was founded in 1989 by Paul Douglas and Mike Baines and provides integrated electronic security services to the commercial, retail, corporate and leisure markets. The firm will continue to operate under its name as part of the deal. Cooper Parry Corporate Finance advised on the deal. John Bryant, partner for corporate finance at Cooper Parry, says that the two businesses have a good strategic fit, from both a geographic and operational perspective.

He added: “The acquisition will enable AIS and Goldshield to benefit from each other’s strong position in their respective markets and yield significant growth for the combined group.”