We are pleased to share the sale of our client, Douglass Safety Systems, Inc., to Municipal Emergency Services, Inc. The acquisition closed October 19, 2020 and details were not disclosed.

Douglass Safety Systems (DSS), located in Sanford, Michigan and founded in 1994, is a leading safety equipment supplier to municipal and volunteer fire departments and industrial corporations throughout the state of Michigan.

DSS differentiates itself through its 25-year history, brand name, experienced sales reps, commitment to customers, and by providing industry-leading products and superior service.

Established in 2001, Municipal Emergency Services, Inc. (MES) has quickly grown to be a leading supplier of many of the best brands in the fire service, including 3M Scott, Honeywell, FireDex, Seek Thermal, Hurst Jaws of Life, Matex Hose, 5.11 Tactical, and Genesis Rescue Systems.

With a national network of sales representatives, mobile service technicians, and in-house service centers strategically located around the United States, they can assure that their customers purchase quality name brand equipment. Headquartered in Sandy Hook, Connecticut, the company employees a team of over 400 dedicated employees to serve communities throughout the United States.

Tom Hubregsen, MES CEO, commented, “We are excited to welcome the DSS team into the MES family. With our shared values around customer service, knowledgeable sales professionals and service technicians, DSS is a perfect addition for MES.”

Doug Engwis, owner of DSS, remarked, “Now DSS customers will have access to MES’s extensive line of products and services. In addition, our customers will be able to leverage MES’s state of the art ordering and e-commerce platforms.”

Generational Equity Executive Managing Director of M&A – Central Region, Michael Goss, and his team led by Senior M&A Advisor, Joe Hige, with the support of Managing Director, Ryan Johnson, successfully closed the deal. Senior Managing Director Ashok Tandon established the initial relationship with DSS.

“The nationwide fire service distribution capability of MES will strengthen the dominant sales and service provided by the DSS brand in the state of Michigan,” said Hige.