Chesapeake Corporate Advisors Serves as Exclusive Financial Advisor
Baltimore, MD – January 16, 2025 – Chesapeake Corporate Advisors (“CCA”) is pleased to announce it has served as the exclusive financial advisor to Fireline Corporation (“Fireline”), a top-tier provider of fire and life safety services and equipment in the Mid-Atlantic, in its partnership with Encore Fire Protection (“Encore”), a leading provider of fire protection services on the East Coast.
Fireline maintains a sterling reputation and strong market position in the Mid-Atlantic region, and aligning with the right partner was a foremost priority in pursuing a majority recapitalization. Encore distinguished itself as the ideal partner to allow Fireline to maintain its strong culture and brand while supporting its growth strategy and providing a wealth of opportunities for the Company’s employees. Anna Gavin remains a shareholder, and she will continue to lead the Company going forward.
Anna Gavin commented, “I could not be more grateful to the CCA team for their assistance in this process. From the very beginning their guidance and advice were instrumental in making this deal happen. We had an incredible response from the market and results that far exceeded my goals. I simply could not have gotten there without the support of CCA.”
Managing Director Stuart Knott, who led the deal team for CCA, added, “CCA’s Business Services Team is grateful to have had the opportunity to advise Fireline on such an important step in a legacy that extends over three generations of the Waters family. This transaction is emblematic of CCA’s holistic approach to assisting business owners, starting years ago with several strategic and pre-sale planning initiatives, and culminating in a highly successful exit. We extend our most sincere thanks and congratulations to Anna Gavin, the Fireline management team, and the Waters family on such a truly meaningful achievement.”
In addition, CCA’s investment banking team included Director Katie Kieran who focused on day-to-day execution and Senior Analyst Miles Gally who provided financial modeling and deal execution support. Offit Kurman served as legal counsel to Fireline.
About Fireline Corporation
Founded in 1947 and headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, Fireline inspects, services, and installs a complete range of fire protection systems and equipment, including fire alarms, sprinklers, extinguishers, special hazard suppression systems, restaurant hoods, vehicle suppression, and specialized water mist systems. Fireline’s offering also includes 24/7 fire alarm monitoring as well as industry leading engineering and design capabilities. Fireline focuses on serving commercial, education, government, healthcare, industrial, and multi-family customers across the Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia markets.
Encore Fire Protection
Encore started in 1983 and offers full-service fire protection services to businesses from Northern Maine to Virginia. Encore serves customers in commercial real estate, education, healthcare, hospitality & entertainment, manufacturing, multi-unit residential, municipal, and retail end markets. Encore employs a differentiated approach to partnerships with its “enable and enhance” integration strategy led by experienced fire professionals. For more information, visit www.encorefireprotection.com.
About Chesapeake Corporate Advisors
Chesapeake Corporate Advisors is a boutique investment banking and corporate advisory firm providing strategic advisory services (value creation) and investment banking services (value realization) to companies in the lower middle market. For more information, visit www.ccabalt.com or call 410.537.5988.
