Allied Universal Acquires Chicago-Based Advent Systems, Inc.

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

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

  • AI Used as Part of Sophisticated Espionage Campaign

    A cybersecurity inflection point has been reached in which AI models has become genuinely useful in cybersecurity operation. But to no surprise, they can used for both good works and ill will. Systemic evaluations show cyber capabilities double in six months, and they have been tracking real-world cyberattacks showing how malicious actors were using AI capabilities. These capabilities were predicted and are expected to evolve, but what stood out for researchers was how quickly they have done so, at scale. Read Now

New Products

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.

  • 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.

    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.

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure.