Blackford Capital has acquired Industrial Electronic Systems, a fire alarm and low-voltage systems integrator headquartered in Rancho Cordova, California, for undisclosed terms. The deal marks the second add-on for Blackford's Security Fire Solutions platform, established with the December 2024 acquisition of Security Fire Systems.

Lakeview Security, Fire & Communication joined as the first add-on in September 2025. Dan Stachel, chief executive of Security Fire Systems, will lead the expanded platform operating under the SFS brand. Founded in 1982, Industrial Electronic Systems specializes in design, engineering, installation, inspection, monitoring and maintenance of fire alarm, voice evacuation, public address, access control and video surveillance systems for healthcare, aviation, education and public-sector clients across Northern California.

"IES is another fine example of our disciplined buy-and-build strategy in action," said Martin Stein, founder and managing director of Blackford Capital. The firm seeks founder-led businesses and aims to help them scale while preserving what made them successful. Blackford Capital, headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan, focuses on majority-control investments in lower middle-market manufacturing, industrial, distribution and service companies with revenues typically between $20 million and $200 million.