Loud buys bolt-on in backyard

KENNESAW, Ga.—Loud Security, a regional security company based here, made its fifth acquisition of 2010 last week, with the purchase of Helping Hands, a family-owned security company based in Cartersville, Ga.

“This brings 450 accounts, mostly residential with a little commercial, and it's all right in our backyard, right in our footprint. It's a wonderful addition,” said John Loud, president of Loud Security.

Loud said former Helping Hands owner Chuck Price is a longtime colleague of his at the Georgia Electronic Life Safety & Systems Association. They've worked closely on some false alarm reduction initiatives, and while Loud wishes Price well in his retirement, he said he'll miss working with him on association business.

Loud said he's hired a skilled technician who'd been with Helping Hands for eight years. Helping out with this deal were John Colehower of Mergers and Acquisitions, and Jim Wooster of Alarm Financial Resources.

It's been a good year despite the economy, Loud said. His company has experienced “moderate internal growth” and found viable acquisitions opportunities. “This will be our focus in the next few years,” Loud said. The company seeks residential or commercial security companies located within 50 miles of Atlanta.

Loud will also be focusing on more false alarm reduction efforts with GELSSA, of which he expects to be president in 2011. Currently he's working with seven local municipalities to “help them deal with problem companies or subscribers out there.”