Allied Universal acquires Advent Systems Inc.

SANTA ANA, Calif. and ELMHURST, Ill.—Allied Universal, a security and facility services company, 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, Ill, a suburb of Chicago. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Allied Universal CEO Steve Jones said the deal not only helps the company grow strategically and geographically but also adds talent to the company's expanding technology division.

“Advent will be seamlessly integrated into Allied Universal Technology Services and will serve as our Midwest regional hub,” Jones told Security Systems News. “It establishes our technology services presence in Chicago, a top three market in which we enjoy a well-established guarding customer base and numerous technology services national accounts.”

Jones said Advent “exemplifies everything we look for in an integrator: an uncompromising focus on customer service; a market-leading presence in their geographic area; a culture built on integrity and service excellence; a high 'IT IQ'; and a strong track record of growth and profitability.”

Advent serves more than 1,000 customers in a variety of industries with emphasis on healthcare, education and mixed-use commercial real estate applications. With revenues exceeding $42 million and 125 employees, the company has been providing integrated technology solutions since 1994, with offices in Chicago and Little Rock as well as satellite operations in Texas.

"For more than 25 years, we've been dedicated to providing our customers with the highest level of service and quality," Michael Walsdorf, president of Advent Systems, Inc., said in the announcement. "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."

Carey Boethel, president of Dallas-based Allied Universal Technology Services, said, "I have known Mike Walsdorf and John Lothrop for 25 years and have successfully partnered with them on many occasions. It is truly an honor to be partnering with them again as we continue to expand our national footprint."

Jones added, “Advent has a long track record of sustained growth and profitability, and 2019 will continue that trajectory. Going forward, we will be investing behind the Advent team to expand our presence in Chicago and drive further market penetration across the Midwest region.”

Advent Systems was represented by Stifel in the transaction.