London-based Simba Security Systems, which also has depots in Birmingham, Bristol and Glasgow, bought Advantage Vehicle Installations, which has outlets in Maldon and Manchester, from receivers. The new business employing 60 engineers comes into effect on the back of the two parties having each won a major contract.

Simba has won a contract worth £500,000 to fit all new British Gas Service vans with security and communications equipment and Advantage Vehicle Installations has won a contract from Orange to become its national installer for hands-free car telephones, fitting around 1,000 units a month.