Partners Group invests into Universal Services of America, a leading provider of security services in North America
Press release
Baar-Zug, 23 October 2013
Partners Group, the global private markets manager, and Universal Services of America announced today that Partners Group has made a new equity investment on behalf of its clients into Universal to support current and future growth initiatives. Universal, which was named by Inc. Magazine as the #1 job creator in America in 2012 and one of the fastest growing companies in the country, is the 5th largest security services company in the US.
Universal employs over 27'000 professionals across the US and provides a diverse mix of security services, ranging from traditional manned guard services, to cutting-edge technology systems, to fire/life safety emergency preparation services. The company also provides janitorial services, with a specialization in “green” cleaning.
Partners Group and the Universal management team have had a relationship for several years and Partners Group has previously helped to fund the company's expansion into new geographies.
David Layton, Managing Director of Partners Group in New York, said, “Over the past few years, Universal has grown from a regional provider of security services into an esteemed, national player without sacrificing any of its core values or attention to customer service. We are excited to continue backing Brian Cescolini and Steve Jones during this next phase of Universal's growth and to assist in their future acquisitions and organic growth initiatives.”
Alfred Gantner, Executive Chairman and Co-founder of Partners Group, commented, “Universal represents an ideal addition for our direct investment programs with its first rate management team, high-growth performance, and an identified set of strategic initiatives that can be supported by Partners Group's vast network of financial and strategic resources.”
Steve Jones, CEO of Universal, said, “This next phase of our partnership with Partners Group allows the company to accelerate its growth plan with new capital and resources to execute our buy and build strategy in the security industry. This is a highly fragmented market that has been consolidating over the last decade, and with our new partnership, Universal is now in a position to continue benefiting from this trend. We have completed over 20 acquisitions in the past three years and are looking forward to this next phase of growth alongside Partners Group, where we will remain as dedicated as ever to providing outstanding service to our clients.”
About Partners Group
Partners Group is a global private markets investment management firm with over EUR 30 billion in investment programs under management in private equity, private real estate, private infrastructure and private debt. The firm manages a broad range of customized portfolios for an international clientele of institutional investors. Partners Group is headquartered in Zug, Switzerland and has offices in San Francisco, New York, São Paulo, London, Guernsey, Paris, Luxembourg, Munich, Dubai, Singapore, Beijing, Seoul, Tokyo and Sydney. The firm employs over 650 people, is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (symbol: PGHN) with a market capitalization of over CHF 6 billion and a major ownership by its partners and employees.
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. Headquartered in Santa Ana, Calif., with offices located nationwide, including the U.S. Virgin Island and Puerto Rico, Universal employs hands-on, highly experienced management teams and continuous training to deliver consistent, high quality security and janitorial solutions. Universal is made up of four unique divisions: Universal Protection Service, which offers a wide range of security professionals for commercial properties of every type; Universal Building Maintenance, which specializes in green cleaning services for every kind of facility; Universal Security Systems, which provides full-service security systems; and Universal Fire/Life Safety Services, which offers all aspects of emergency preparation.
Investor relations contact
Philip Sauer
Phone: +41 41 784 66 60
E-mail: [email protected]
Media relations contact
Alexander von Wolffradt
Phone: +41 41 784 66 45
E-mail: [email protected]
Press release
Baar-Zug, 23 October 2013
Partners Group, the global private markets manager, and Universal Services of America announced today that Partners Group has made a new equity investment on behalf of its clients into Universal to support current and future growth initiatives. Universal, which was named by Inc. Magazine as the #1 job creator in America in 2012 and one of the fastest growing companies in the country, is the 5th largest security services company in the US.
Universal employs over 27'000 professionals across the US and provides a diverse mix of security services, ranging from traditional manned guard services, to cutting-edge technology systems, to fire/life safety emergency preparation services. The company also provides janitorial services, with a specialization in “green” cleaning.
Partners Group and the Universal management team have had a relationship for several years and Partners Group has previously helped to fund the company's expansion into new geographies.
David Layton, Managing Director of Partners Group in New York, said, “Over the past few years, Universal has grown from a regional provider of security services into an esteemed, national player without sacrificing any of its core values or attention to customer service. We are excited to continue backing Brian Cescolini and Steve Jones during this next phase of Universal's growth and to assist in their future acquisitions and organic growth initiatives.”
Alfred Gantner, Executive Chairman and Co-founder of Partners Group, commented, “Universal represents an ideal addition for our direct investment programs with its first rate management team, high-growth performance, and an identified set of strategic initiatives that can be supported by Partners Group's vast network of financial and strategic resources.”
Steve Jones, CEO of Universal, said, “This next phase of our partnership with Partners Group allows the company to accelerate its growth plan with new capital and resources to execute our buy and build strategy in the security industry. This is a highly fragmented market that has been consolidating over the last decade, and with our new partnership, Universal is now in a position to continue benefiting from this trend. We have completed over 20 acquisitions in the past three years and are looking forward to this next phase of growth alongside Partners Group, where we will remain as dedicated as ever to providing outstanding service to our clients.”
About Partners Group
Partners Group is a global private markets investment management firm with over EUR 30 billion in investment programs under management in private equity, private real estate, private infrastructure and private debt. The firm manages a broad range of customized portfolios for an international clientele of institutional investors. Partners Group is headquartered in Zug, Switzerland and has offices in San Francisco, New York, São Paulo, London, Guernsey, Paris, Luxembourg, Munich, Dubai, Singapore, Beijing, Seoul, Tokyo and Sydney. The firm employs over 650 people, is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (symbol: PGHN) with a market capitalization of over CHF 6 billion and a major ownership by its partners and employees.
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. Headquartered in Santa Ana, Calif., with offices located nationwide, including the U.S. Virgin Island and Puerto Rico, Universal employs hands-on, highly experienced management teams and continuous training to deliver consistent, high quality security and janitorial solutions. Universal is made up of four unique divisions: Universal Protection Service, which offers a wide range of security professionals for commercial properties of every type; Universal Building Maintenance, which specializes in green cleaning services for every kind of facility; Universal Security Systems, which provides full-service security systems; and Universal Fire/Life Safety Services, which offers all aspects of emergency preparation.
Investor relations contact
Philip Sauer
Phone: +41 41 784 66 60
E-mail: [email protected]
Media relations contact
Alexander von Wolffradt
Phone: +41 41 784 66 45
E-mail: [email protected]