A Sutton Coldfield-based fire safety firm has completed its fourth acquisition in two years as part of plans to expand nationally.

Contract Fire and Security (CFS) latest acquisition has seen it take over Chris Lewis Fire and Security, Southern Branch and its offices in Southampton. The operation, which has a turnover of £3 million, 25 staff will increase CFS’ presence in the south of England.

CFS now has bases in East Kilbride, Scotland, London, Bagshot, Southampton and its main head office in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands.

Joint managing directors Steven and Gary Quirke, who established the company in 1985 have taken CFS from a £12 million turnover in 2008 to a £25 million turnover expected this year.

The growth is part of a strategy to develop the business across the UK and increase the intensity of contracts for its growing team of nearly 200 engineers.

Steven Quirke said: “The acquisition of Chris Lewis Fire and Safety, Southern Branch will include 1,500 regional contracts in the south of England, such as National Oceanographic Centre, University of Southampton, Ordnance Survey Centre and Hampshire County Council.”

CFS now looks after 44,000 sites in the UK, 250 sites in Europe and has 300 employees located in the four offices within 200 engineers focused on areas.