JGA Fire Engineering acquired by Jensen Hughes

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Jensen Hughes expands in UK & Ireland with JGA acquisition

Jensen Hughes, the global leader in safety, security, and risk-based engineering, has announced the acquisition of Jeremy Gardner Associates Ltd. (JGA), a prominent fire safety consulting firm based in the UK and Ireland. This strategic acquisition strengthens Jensen Hughes' position in the European market, following the launch of its London office in September 2017.

About Jeremy Gardner Associates

Founded in 1993 by Jeremy Gardner, JGA has grown into a respected fire safety consultancy with seven offices across the UK and Ireland. The company has completed over 6,000 projects, including high-profile developments like the Microsoft campus in Dublin, St James in Edinburgh, and Wembley Park in London. With a team of 70 professionals, including 55 fire protection engineers, JGA has earned a reputation for delivering exceptional fire safety solutions on complex construction projects.

A strategic move for global growth

The acquisition of JGA allows Jensen Hughes to enhance its fire and life safety offerings in the UK and Ireland, complementing its global network of over 70 offices. Paul Orzeske, CEO of Jensen Hughes, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership: "JGA’s technical expertise and client-focused approach align perfectly with our values. Together, we will bring even more comprehensive fire and life safety solutions to our clients."

Shared vision for safer buildings

Jeremy Gardner, Managing Director and Founder of JGA, emphasized the importance of the shared commitment between both companies: "Joining Jensen Hughes is a significant milestone for us. Their industry leadership and global reach will help us deliver a more holistic approach to fire safety while expanding into new markets."

This acquisition is part of Jensen Hughes' broader strategy to grow its safety consulting services through key partnerships, ensuring that clients in the UK, Ireland, and beyond benefit from world-class fire safety expertise.

Jensen Hughes’ first crossborder acquisition

The acquisition of JGA is the first non-domestic deal for Maryland-based Jensen Hughes since the group was acquired by private equity investor Gryphon in 2015. The value and terms of the transaction are undisclosed.

Client feedback

“Mark Sapsford was Lead Advisor and I worked very closely with him for the whole of this period.

The process of gaining information about my company was, as I later realised, the ideal preparation for the meetings with prospective purchasers.  

"I was prepared for the likely rollercoaster ride of up and downs, exhilaration and sometimes disappointment. But Mark’s advice on what was likely to happen next was uncannily accurate.  His charm and good humour through sometimes tense negotiations and periods of real frustration helped to keep the process moving along. It was also clear that he did his best to shield us from some of the stress that can go with these things. 

"Long hours and a lot of work go with the territory and he seems to thrive on it.  But most of all he earned my trust and respect and that meant I generally followed his advice and he was proved right.

"A highly skilled negotiator that knows when to push hard and when to compromise.  I am certain he got us the best deal that was as much about strategic fit as financial objectives.”

Jeremy Gardner, founder & MD

JGA Fire Engineering

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