Universal Protection Service announces two acquisitions

Universal Protection Service, a division of Universal Services of America, has acquired A&R Security Services and United Security, bolstering its presence in the Midwest.  The acquisitions will expand the company’s presence in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

"The acquisition of A&R and United enable Universal Protection Service to execute its strategy of being a true national security service provider," said Steve Jones, COO and Co-CEO of Universal Services of America. "With a strong presence throughout the Midwest, Universal Protection Service now has vast resources and unique capabilities throughout all of the major markets in the U.S."

According to a statement, A&R Security Services was founded in 1967 and is one of the largest privately owned and operated security providers in the region. United Security operated as part of A&R, but under a separate company name.

"A&R/United and Universal have been partners in business ventures before, so in many ways this is a natural progression," said Christopher Thornton, president of A&R Security Services, Inc. "Our company shares so much in common with Universal that the only changes our customers will see are the advantages a first-class organization like Universal brings to our service delivery."

In addition, the acquisitions will make Universal Protection Service the fifth largest security company in the U.S. and the third largest U.S.-owned organization.

"A&R Security Services, Inc. and United Security, LLC have great long standing reputations in the Midwest. These acquisitions are Universal’s platform to provide that area of the U.S. with the enhanced level of customer service that we are famous for," said Brian Cescolini, chairman and Co-CEO of Universal Services of America. "We will continue to deliver unmatched customer service as we build one of the best contract security service providers nationwide."