Convergint Acquires Ballou Fire Systems, Expanding Fire Alarm & Life Safety Business

Acquisition Will Grow Convergint’s Presence in Houston and the South-Central U.S., Bolstering Capabilities in Healthcare, Education and Commercial Vertical Markets

  • Jun 05, 2023

Convergint, a global leader in service-based systems integration, today announced it has acquired Ballou Fire Systems, LLC, a Houston-based integrator that designs, installs and services electronic life safety, security, and communications systems.

The acquisition brings an expert team to Convergint, expanding the company’s capabilities in the Houston and South-Central region and bolstering its service offerings with a focus on the healthcare, education, and commercial markets. The company’s focus on total life safety protection enables Convergint to build on Ballou’s already extensive and established network of customers and partnerships in the region.

“The cultural synergies between Convergint and Ballou are undeniable, and we have always been impressed with their dedicated team and best-in-class service,” said Sean Flint, president of United States and Canada, Convergint. “Ballou’s well established, experienced, and highly trained team of frontline colleagues greatly compliments our South-Central U.S. life safety presence.”

“By joining forces with Convergint, we’re able to help our customers take a more comprehensive approach to their critical life safety infrastructure, while supporting global customers with a presence in their local markets,” said Thomas Ballou, president and CEO, Ballou Fire Systems. “Further, Convergint’s culture of service and safety is well-aligned with our own core values, with both of our organizations dedicated to providing the tools, training, and programs so that all projects and service calls are completed successfully and without incident.”

Convergint has completed 55 acquisitions since 2001—extending its geographic reach to be closer to its customers, expanding its technological and vertical market expertise, and enhancing its global network of talented colleagues and leaders.

Featured

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.