MEMPHIS, Tenn. and SANTA ANA, Calif., July
28, 2015 /CNW/ -- Universal Protection Service, a division
of Universal Services of America and a portfolio company of Warburg
Pincus and Partners Group, announced today that it has acquired
Guardsmark. The companies together create the largest U.S.-owned
security company. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Based in Memphis, Tennessee,
Guardsmark is one of the world's largest security service
companies, with over 125 offices serving more than 400 cities in
the United States of America,
Canada, Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. Led by Ira A. Lipman, Founder, CEO and Chairman, the
company has been renowned for its culture of customer service as
the gold standard of sustained excellence and quality leadership in
security for more than 52 years. Guardsmark has grown organically
without acquisition for 38 years. Headquartered in Santa Ana, Calif., Universal Protection
Service has been the fastest growing security services company in
the industry, and provides an innovative mix of traditional
security services with cutting edge systems and technology.
Universal operates nationwide in 100-plus locations, including
Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands. The combined company will
employ approximately 60,000 security professionals across
the United States and Canada.
Steve Jones, CEO of Universal
Services of America, said, "The culture of both companies revolves
around professionalism and customer service. We believe that this
will bring great opportunities to our customers and our employees.
Ira is a legend in the private security industry and I am honored
to have worked with him to put our two great companies together. I
am also honored to have him join our company as Vice Chairman of
the board. Together we will create the industry leader in the
private security arena."
Lipman stated: "The combination of Guardsmark and Universal will
establish the largest American owned security services company.
Steve Jones is a remarkable leader
and clients and employees will benefit from the merger. Never in
history has there been a greater need for serious security and our
partnership delivers this for our customers."
Bank of America Merrill Lynch acted as financial advisor to
Guardsmark. Credit Suisse acted as financial advisor to Universal
Protection Service. Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton LLP
acted as legal counsel Universal Protection Service. Fried Frank
LLP acted as legal counsel to Guardsmark.
About Guardsmark, LLC
Guardsmark is one of the U.S.'s
largest security service companies, with offices serving more than
400 cities. Since its founding in 1963 by Ira A. Lipman, Guardsmark has changed the face
of the security industry, earning wide acclaim for legendary
commitment to excellence and strict adherence to the highest
standards. Services provided include security services, risk
assessments, executive protection, investigations, consulting and
background screening. www.guardsmark.com
About Universal Services of America
Founded in 1965,
Universal Services of America combines an innovative mix of
tradition with cutting edge systems and technology to keep pace
with the ever-evolving needs of today's business environments.
Universal employs hands-on, highly experienced management teams and
continuous training to deliver consistent, high quality security
solutions. Universal has four unique divisions: Universal
Protection Service; Universal Protection Security Systems;
Universal Building Maintenance; and Universal Fire/Life
Safety. www.universalpro.com
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SOURCE Universal Services of America