Rockbridge Growth Equity Acquires Protect America, a Leading Direct-to-Consumer Provider of Self-Installed Monitored Alarm Systems

New Owners Include Rockbridge Growth Equity; Falcon Investments, LLC; and Protect America Founder Thad Paschall

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Feb 09, 2010, 10:03 ET

LIVONIA, Mich., Feb. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Rockbridge Growth Equity, LLC announced it led an acquisition of Protect America (www.protectamerica.com), a direct-to-consumer provider of self-installed monitored alarm systems. Joining Rockbridge Growth Equity (www.rbequity.com) are Falcon Investments (www.falconinvestments.com) and Thad Paschall, Protect America's founder.

Protect America has been ranked as one of the top-10 installers of monitored residential security systems in the U.S. by installation volume (including DIY and traditional) in Security Distribution and Marketing Magazine's (SDM) "Top 100" survey for the past several years.

"We are extremely excited about our investment in Protect America. We believe Protect America is a leading force behind the next generation of home security systems and we look forward to helping the company become an industry leader," said Rockbridge Growth Equity Partner Kevin Prokop.

Established in 1992 and headquartered near Austin, Texas, Protect America's proprietary marketing, sales and low-cost fulfillment system appeals to both the do-it-yourself ("DIY") and traditional alarm customer market. The company has established the foundation for significant growth by differentiating itself from traditional alarm companies, and services its customers by providing all billing, collection, servicing, quality assurance, repairs and maintenance.

"Rockbridge Growth Equity brings a substantial amount of value to the table above and beyond providing capital. We're very excited about its ability to quickly bring new sales, marketing and other operational best practices to Protect America," said Protect America Founder Thad Paschall.

John Mack, Co-Head, Investment Banking Group at Imperial Capital, who represented Protect America in this transaction, said "Protect America's leading DIY business model and Rockbridge's direct-to-consumer focus together create a financial and strategic partnership that will lead to significant growth in the years to come."

About Protect America

Protect America, Inc. was established in 1992 and is one of the fastest growing alarm companies in the nation. Headquartered near Austin, Texas, Protect America has expanded over the past 17 years to provide affordable residential security to credit-worthy homeowners in the U.S. In the annual surveys conducted by SDM Magazine, the leading security industry trade publication, Protect America is consistently ranked in the Top 10 companies in residential system installation volume over the past several years, from among 15,000 alarm companies nationwide.

About Rockbridge Growth Equity

Rockbridge Growth Equity (www.rbequity.com) is a private equity firm that invests in financial and business services, consumer-direct marketing, and sports, media & entertainment industries. Rockbridge owns equity stakes in Ready Financial Group, Northcentral University and One Reverse Mortgage, and is affiliated with other leading businesses in its target sectors including Quicken Loans, the Cleveland Cavaliers, Title Source and ePrize.

About Falcon Investments

Falcon Investment Advisors, LLC is a private equity firm with offices in Boston, New York, and Dallas, specializing in providing subordinated debt and other junior capital. Founded in July 2000 by Mr. Sandeep Alva, Falcon has over $1 billion under management. Falcon has substantial investing experience across a variety of industries.

SOURCE Rockbridge Growth Equity