New acquisition for Equistone portfolio company: Heras acquires BA-KRO and strengthens its high-security expertise and service business in Germany

Heras, the perimeter protection specialist and Equistone portfolio company, has acquired BA-KRO, a German specialist in the installation and service of high security electronic and mechanical perimeter protection systems for critical infrastructure. The transaction marks the next step in the long-standing partnership between the two companies.

Founded in 1952, Heras operates as a European full-service provider for permanent and mobile perimeter protection solutions. With its comprehensive service portfolio, the Netherlands-based company serves a large number of customers from the construction, government, events and retail sectors. Heras currently employs more than 1,100 people at its locations across eight countries, including the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Germany and the UK.

BA-KRO is specialist in site security, implementing complex security systems at sensitive locations such as industrial complexes, airports, prisons, and embassies. Since 1997, the Berlin-based company has been engaged in the planning, sale, installation and maintenance of security systems throughout Germany.

Heras' acquisition of BA-KRO marks a new phase of a long-standing and highly collaborative partnership. "We are very proud to welcome BA-KRO as part of Heras," says Emmanuel Rigaux, CEO of Heras. "Heras and BA-KRO have been working closely together for many years, so there is a lot of mutual respect and trust. BA-KRO's expertise, experience and reputation are going to help us serve our high-security customers even better across Germany.”

"Heras is a renowned name in the world of site security," says Helmut Bauer, Managing Director of BA-KRO. "We are therefore looking forward to expanding and intensifying our presence in the medium and high security market, as part of Heras. The acquisition also gives BA-KRO a stable and strong partner going forward."

As part of the transaction, Heras Deutschland GmbH and BA-KRO GmbH will continue to exist as two separate brands, with BA-KRO operating under the Heras banner. Matthias Kötter, Managing Director of Heras Germany and BA-KRO , states: “Together, the companies create a unique and powerful combination within the German market: Heras as a total supplier and service provider of site security solutions and BA-KRO as a project leader and installation specialist of security installations. Moreover, this transaction will see Heras signficantly expand its footprint in Germany, with BA-KRO located in the east of the country. This will allow Heras to provide customers throughout Germany with service and maintenance faster than ever before.”

Funds advised by Equistone Partners Europe acquired a majority stake in Heras in September 2019. With the acquisition of BA-KRO, Heras is continuing its growth strategy which, with the support of Equistone, is focused on consolidating a highly fragmented European market. Heras previously strengthened its presence in the attractive Scandinavian market with the successful acquisition of SER Hegn in December 2020.