Private investment equity firm Building Industry Partners (BIP) has launched a new business venture, Endeavor Fire Protection. The business venture is a fire and life safety platform formed after the acquisition of Valley Fire Protection Systems, a company that installs, services, and repairs fire suppression and plumbing systems throughout the Midwest.
BIP has deep relationships in the fire protection segment and has long wanted to build a platform in this vertical,” Robert Lane, vice president at BIP, said in a news release. “Valley is an elite operator with a field-driven philosophy. The company brings extraordinary capabilities and a long-standing reputation as a leader in the fire protection sector.
According to BIP, the entire Valley Fire Protection Systems team will remain with the company post-acquisition. Endeavor Fire Protection represents BIP’s fourth platform under the firm’s people-focused purpose.
“BIP is prioritizing human capital management advancements in the labor-intensive building industry to build better businesses, generate better investment returns, and help employees improve their careers and lives,” Lane said. “Over the last forty years, Valley has continuously demonstrated that the company embodies respect for the field and prioritizes a people-first philosophy.”
Justin Gilson, principal at BIP, said it is launching Endeavor Fire Protection with the objective of building a “leading national fire and life safety organization both organically and through acquisition.”
“Choosing to partner with Building Industry Partners was an easy decision for us, especially given the strong cultural fit, safety emphasis, and focus on people,” Thomas Hartel, president of Valley Fire Protection, said. “We greatly valued BIP’s shared commitment to employee growth and education as well as the complementary focus on teamwork and customer service. Our team believes this partnership will enhance our commitment and investment in our people and allow us to better serve our customers and communities.”
Over the past decade, BIP has been involved in the formation of several leading industry players, including US LBM, Kodiak Building Partners, Homewood Holdings, U.S. Fence Solutions/Binford Supply, United Cabinet Holdings, and Rugby Architectural Building Products.
BIP also founded Southeast Building Supply Interests in July 2021 with the acquisition of Warner Robins Building Supply, Henson Building Materials, and Mountain Building Supply. Earlier in July, BIP founded four-unit, California-based LBM platform West Coast Lumber.
