Carter Brothers to build new security business with new partner

ATLANTA—Now that he's sold his fire business to Tyco, John Carter, president of Carter Brothers, plans to partner with a large company to provide security services on a national basis.

And it won't be a traditional security company, Carter told Security Systems News. Carter Brothers is eager to partner with one of the new entrants in the security industry, a telecom or cableco, he said.

Carter is in the process of finalizing a deal, so details will be forthcoming within the month.

Tyco Integrated Security on Oct. 26 announced that it had acquired the fire and life safety business from Carter Brothers. The deal includes 10 offices and “all of the fire and life safety business.”

Carter Brothers has done project installation for Tyco and ADT for 12 years. Carter said the “timing was right” to sell the fire business and explore new opportunities.

“We believe there's a huge opportunity to partner with [new entrants] in the space and build a pretty unique platform,” Carter said.

What Carter Brothers brings to the equation is industry expertise, particularly in national accounts and commercial security; more than a decade's experience building a security business from scratch; and resources such as project managers around the country.

In addition, as one of the few minority-owned businesses in the industry, Carter Brothers has access to opportunities other security companies do not, Carter said.

He pointed out that he was in a similar position before purchasing the Edwards Service business from GE Security in 2007.

As Carter builds his new business, he'll consider acquisitions. The sale of the fire business “gives me the liquidity to do that,” he said. Carter Brothers “has a history of building great partnerships with large corporations [and providing] a value-added service that is really a win-win for both sides.”

“I've done nothing but do deals since I got into this industry,” he said.  “With the Tyco acquisition, I have the liquidity to do more deals. I have other partners [we're considering doing business with] and some PE guys who want to talk about growing [our business].”

“If I see something I like, I'll go out and buy it,” Carter said.