Lane, Zaimes Lend Expertise to Local Newscasts

Peter Lane, professor of management and entrepreneurship, recently shared his expertise in a CBS13 (WGME) I-Team investigation examining rising software costs facing small fire departments across Maine.

The report explores how consolidation within the emergency services software industry — driven in part by private equity acquisitions — has led some departments to experience significant price increases for systems used to manage emergency calls, training records and operations.

Lane provided context on why private equity firms are increasingly interested in industries like fire and EMS software, noting that investors are often drawn to organizations with stable, predictable revenue streams funded through municipal budgets. While acquisitions can sometimes lead to operational improvements, he explained that consolidation may also reduce competition and limit customer choice.

Peter Zaimes, senior lecturer of decision sciences, appeared on WMUR Channel 9 ahead of the Super Bowl to discuss how the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks use analytics and how data-driven strategies can influence game outcomes.