GardaWorld Security Corp, a Montreal-based security
management firm, on Monday announced it had acquired WorldAware, the US-based
risk management firm founded by Bruce McIndoe and once known as iJet. The deal
closed 10 July, according to GardaWorld.
GardaWorld calls itself "the largest privately owned
security services and cash services company in the world" and says it has
"field operations and extensive security network in 45 countries".
The company operates Crisis24, a security risk management business. The
combined Crisis24 and WorldAware will "advise and serve" more than
one-quarter of the Fortune 500, according to GardaWorld.
"WorldAware is a leader in this field, and coupled with
Crisis24, no other player will be able to measure up to the expertise we can
now offer, and the powerful blend of talent, experience, strength and
international in-the-field security operations we bring to the table,"
GardaWorld founder, president and CEO Stephan Crétier said in a statement.
WorldAware predecessor iJet was founded by McIndoe in 1999. In
2016 the company acquired WorldAware and two years later renamed the company.
Formed two years before the attacks of 11 September 2001 led to an industrywide
reconsideration of business travel risk and security management, iJet, then
WorldAware, for decades has been a key player in offering those services to the
marketplace.
"Over the last several years, the market has recognised
a greater need for risk management services; this has fuelled industry growth,
new entrants and technological innovation," McIndoe wrote in an email to
BTN. "WorldAware needed a way to keep pace, to accelerate innovation and
drive more value. GardaWorld and WorldAware have a shared vision on the future
of the market, the importance of forewarning and the value of an integrated
risk management offering."
WorldAware and Crisis24 "at this time" will
"continue to operate under their respective brands and technologies,
ensuring a smooth service delivery throughout the integration process",
according to GardaWorld. McIndoe, who before the deal served as president of
WorldAware, said in the email, "I have a long-term consulting contract
with WorldAware to support the transition and will continue to engage in the
market providing education and thought leadership."
Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed; both companies
are privately held.