Allied Universal Acquires Chicago-Based Advent Systems, Inc. -- Security Today

Allied Universal Acquires Chicago-Based Advent Systems, Inc.

Nov 04, 2019

Allied Universal, a security and facility services company in North America, recently announced the acquisition of Advent Systems, Inc.-a low-voltage integrator of IP video, access control, structured cabling and audio/visual systems based in Elmhurst, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"Adding Advent Systems helps us grow strategically and geographically especially within the Chicago market," said Steve Jones, CEO of Allied Universal. "We are excited to continue our strategy of expanding our technology division in order to offer highly advanced solutions for our clients."

With revenues exceeding $42 million and 125 employees, Advent systems, Inc. has been providing integrated technology solutions since 1994. With offices in Chicago and Little Rock as well as satellite operations in Texas, the company helps protect property and assets with design, installation and service of integrated electronic security systems.

"For more than 25 years, we've been dedicated to providing our customers with the highest level of service and quality," said Michael Walsdorf, president of Advent Systems, Inc. "We believe Allied Universal supports our business strategy and overall core values, which will result in a continuation of that high level of service and quality to our clients. We're also thrilled to present a path to the future to our employees, who have been an integral part of our growth and success from the beginning."

The addition of Advent Systems will expand Allied Universal Technology Services division within the Midwest region. Allied Universal Technology Services provides electronic access control, video surveillance, fire/life safety, alarm monitoring, emergency communications, hosted /managed services and a variety of Global Security Operating Center (GSOC-as-a-Service) offerings.

"I have known Mike Walsdorf and John Lothrop for 25 years and have successfully partnered with them on many occasions," said Carey Boethel, President of Dallas-based Allied Universal® Technology Services. "It is truly an honor to be partnering with them again as we continue to expand our national footprint."

Advent Systems was represented by Stifel in the transaction.

Featured

Survey: Nearly Half of Employees Hide Workplace AI Use

Laserfiche, a SaaS provider of intelligent content management and business process automation, recently released new survey findings on AI adoption in the workplace, revealing that nearly half of Americans (49%) who use AI at work keep it to themselves, with 15% deliberately avoiding telling their manager. Read Now
- Artificial Intelligence
- Cybersecurity
46% of Enterprise Passwords Are Vulnerable to Cracking

Picus Security recently released The Blue Report™ 2025, based on more than 160 million real-world attack simulations. Now in its third year, the report provides a data-driven assessment of how well security controls perform against today’s threats — and this year’s findings are the most concerning to date. Read Now
- Cybersecurity
Community-Led Video Security Network Transforms Pennsylvania City Public Safety

A community-supported video security initiative has transformed public safety in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The citizen-led collaboration demonstrates how open platform video technology can help revitalize struggling urban areas. Read Now
- Government
Browser-Based AI Agents: The Silent Security Threat Unfolding

Some of the most revolutionary advances in artificial intelligence include browser-based AI agents, which are self-sustaining software tools integrated into web browsers that act on behalf of individuals. Read Now
- Cybersecurity
Report: Cybercriminals Abandon Tech Tricks for Personalized Email Deception Tactics

VIPRE Security Group, a cybersecurity, privacy, and data protection company, has released its email threat landscape report for Q2 2025. Through an examination of worldwide real-world data, this report sounds the alarm on the most significant email security trends observed in the second quarter of 2025, enabling organizations to develop effective email security defenses for the remainder of the year. Read Now
- Cybersecurity

Security Today eNews

Sign up today for essential industry news and product information that can help you stay afloat in the fast-paced world of security.

Email Address*Country*

Please type the letters/numbers you see above.

PureTech Systems, Clear Align Partner to Deliver Advanced Autonomous Security, Command-and-Control for U.S. Air Force Tactical Security System

Webinars

Whitepapers

New Products

Mobile Safe Shield

SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.
ResponderLink

Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.
Connect ONE®

Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.