The world’s most formidable private security firms provide governments with armed guards and logistical support. Fear could be a powerful motivation when things are unclear. Since governments can only do so much, some people are more than happy to pay private security firms to take extra precautions to keep their loved ones safe.
More watchful and military-oriented security service providers are now needed since businesses operating in crisis areas across the globe also need safety. There is fierce competition in today’s environment, and mental tranquility is hard to measure. Continue reading to discover the top 30 most potent private security firms worldwide.
1. G4S
“The world’s leading global security and outsourcing group,” G4S bills itself as, with a focus on “business process outsourcing in sectors where security and safety risks are considered a strategic threat.” In 2004, London-based Securicor and Danish corporation Group 4 Falck merged to form the massive global security company that is now part of the British government.
With over 620,000 workers, G4S is currently the third largest employer in the private sector worldwide. G4S generated well over $12 billion in revenue in 2012. The organization provides a number of services, such as reaction units, monitoring equipment, security guards, and safe prisoner transportation. In order to provide security, G4S collaborates with governments abroad.
2. Securitas AB
Securitas AB is a global security firm that was founded in 1934 in Helsingborg, Sweden. Its headquarters are in Stockholm. The corporation employed almost 300,000 people in 53 different countries in 2012, and it brought in over $10 billion in sales annually. Guards and patrols, investigations, home alarm systems, loss prevention, security advising, and supply of guard dogs are among the services offered by Securitas AB.
Security Services Europe, Security Services Ibero-America, and Security Services North America are its three main divisions. Securitas AB has a fleet of bulletproof jeeps and specialized vehicles with metal safes to support its cash-in-transit service. It also specializes in event security—sports, business, and leisure.
3. ADT
Founded in 1874, ADT Corporation is currently among the top alarm and security monitoring businesses in the United States. The company, which has its headquarters in Boca Raton, Florida, provides households and small businesses with alarms, monitoring tools, and peace of mind while operating in 35 countries. ADT offers round-the-clock surveillance and armed response teams in South Africa.
ADT began as a company that delivered telegraphs and was once known as American District Telegraph. Then, starting in 1910, it began to shift its focus to other areas including fire and intruder alarms under new AT&T leadership. ADT claimed to have 6.4 million customers and $3.1 billion in revenue in 2011. Additionally, it separated from its Swiss parent firm Tyco International in 2012 and started trading independently on the New York Stock Exchange.
4. Allied Barton
AlliedBarton is a 1957-founded private security firm with its headquarters located in Pennsylvania. With more than 55,000 workers spread across 120 locations around the country, AlliedBarton is the largest security officer company owned by Americans. The company’s areas of interest include campuses of higher education, real estate, aerospace and defense locations, homes, shopping centers, medical facilities, and chemical businesses.
To supplement its workforce of “highly trained security personnel,” AlliedBarton enlists reservists, retired members of the military forces, and their families through its “Hire Our Heroes” program. AlliedBarton was listed by Victory Media in November 2013 as one of the top military-friendly and military spouse-friendly firms to work for in 2014. The company’s areas of expertise are “national support” and “local response.” Its yearly income topped $1.9 billion in 2012.
5. DynCorp
The private military contractor DynCorp, headquartered in Annandale, Virginia, was founded in 1951 when California Eastern Airways acquired Land-Air, Inc. to establish California Eastern Aviation, Inc. The business changed its name to Dynalectron Corporation in 1962, and in 1987 it became DynCorp. Security, intelligence, aviation support, and contingency operations are among the services offered by DynCorp.
Over 96% of the company’s annual revenue, which surpasses $3 billion, comes from contracts with US government agencies. In nations like Peru, Colombia, Somalia, Kosovo, Kuwait, Bolivia, Angola, and Haiti, DynCorp has supported American soldiers. Following Hurricane Katrina, the firm was again called upon to assist with recovery efforts in Louisiana and the neighboring areas.
6. GardaWorld
As the “largest privately-owned security company in the world,” GardaWorld, a Canadian company, makes this claim. Although the corporation is headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, it employs about 45,000 people in Latin America, North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. At least 140 cities receive resource and person security from GardaWorld, which also guards 28 airports in North America. The goal of its division of foreign protection services is to protect “clients in complex and emerging markets.”
$5 billion is processed daily by the company’s cash management services in the meantime. The Canadian cash management business of G4S was purchased by GardaWorld in August 2013 in a transaction estimated to be valued at $110 million. Additionally, in December 2013, GardaWorld and Bank of America reached an agreement on a $1.4 billion, 12-year cash management contract. GardaWorld’s quarterly revenue at the end of April 2012 was approximately $300 million.
7. Control Risks
Control Risks is a global professional service and consultancy firm with 36 locations worldwide and its headquarters in London, England. Its mission statement is to “assist organizations in managing political, integrity and security risks in complex and hostile environments.” In 1975, Control Risks was a part of Hogg Robinson, an insurance company; it went independent in 1982.
Control Risks concentrated on growing its intelligence and investigation services during the 1990s, when large corporations from all over the world started operating in less well-known regions. According to the company’s website, it offers a range of services from professional analysis and in-depth investigations to strategic advising, handling politically delicate matters, and practical protection and assistance while on the ground. Control Risks made $223.32 million in 2010 after working to secure oil firm assets in Iraq.
8. Booz Allen Hamilton
The headquarters of the American IT consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton are located in Tysons Corner, Virginia. The company was formed in 1914 by Edwin G. Booz, James L. Allen, and Carl L. Hamilton. By 2012, its revenue had grown to $5.859 billion. In addition to providing services in engineering, technology, and management consulting, Booz Allen Hamilton is a defense contractor.
The company’s primary objective, as stated on its website, is to provide “trusted consulting and professional services in an increasingly complex and growing world.” It collaborates with both government and civilian institutions. Regarding civilian organizations, the company provides services to the banking, law enforcement, transportation, Homeland Security, and government health and management industries, among others. It collaborates with intelligence services, defense contractors, space agencies, and the United States Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps.
9. CACI International
Originally called the California Analysis Center, Incorporated, CACI International was established in Santa Monica, California in 1962. The Consolidated Analysis Center, Incorporated was the new term used in 1967; in 1973, the acronym itself was adopted as the official name of the business. Despite having its headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, CACI International employs almost 15,000 people across the United States and Europe and has more than 120 branches.
Information technology is the company’s specialty, and it offers “information solutions and services in support of national security missions and government transformation for intelligence, defense, and federal civilian customers,” as stated in their own words. When it comes to issues involving international threats and the preparedness of the US armed forces, CACI International can help. The corporation brought about $3.8 billion in revenue in 2012.
10. The Brink’s Company
Despite having its headquarters in Virginia, The Brink’s Company employs almost 70,000 people and operates in more than 100 countries. In 1859, Perry Brink founded Brink’s City Express in Chicago, where he started transporting clients’ luggage from nearby train stations to hotels via a horse-drawn wagon. The business sent six bags containing silver dollars as its first cash-in-transit delivery in 1891.
These days, Brink’s is most recognized for its armored van fleet, which it deploys to assist in meeting the needs of banks, governments, jewelers, mints, and other enterprises. In addition, it provides guarding, cash management, logistics, and ICD services for airport security. 2011 saw $3.9 billion in sales for Brink’s.