Universal Protection Service to Acquire Guardsmark

  • Aug 04, 2015

Universal Protection Service, a division of Universal Services of America and a portfolio company of Warburg Pincus and Partners Group, announced 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.

Featured

  • Collaboration Made Easy Using a Work Management Platform

    Effective collaboration between security operators, teams and other departments is critical to the smooth functioning of organizations. Yet, as organizations grow in complexity, it becomes more difficult for teams to coordinate with each other. This is compounded by staffing shortages, turnover and ineffective collaboration tools. Read Now

  • Creating a Safer World

    Managing and supporting locks and door hardware within a facility is a big responsibility. A building’s security needs to change over time as occupancy and use demands evolve, which can make it even more challenging. Read Now

  • Creating More Versatility

    Today, AI has become top of mind for most security professionals. It is the topic of conversation in the technology world and continues to transform the way data is used to make important business decisions. Read Now

  • Report: 78 Percent of CISOs Seeing Significant Impact from AI-Powered Cyber Threats

    Darktrace recently unveiled its 2025 State of AI Cybersecurity report. The findings reveal that 78% of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) surveyed say that AI-powered threats are having a significant impact on their organizations, a 5% increase1 from 2024. While an increasing number of CISOs report feeling a significant impact from AI threats, more than 60% now say that they are adequately prepared to defend against these threats, an increase of nearly 15% year-over-year. However, insufficient AI knowledge and skills and a shortage of personnel and talent continue to be listed as the two top inhibitors to a successful defense. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.