Universal Protection Service acquires SFI

SANTA ANA, Calif.—Universal Protection Service, based here, today announced it has acquired Security Forces Inc. and its subsidiary SFI Electronics, creating the 6th largest security company in the United States.

Universal's acquisition of Charlotte, N.C.-based SFI will expand the company's footprint into Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. SFI has been providing security guard services since 1949 and employs over 3,500 security professionals supported by 31 offices throughout the southeastern U.S., according to a press release from Universal.

Universal did not disclose the financial details of the deal.

Universal Protection Service, a division of Universal Services of America, has had a strategic partnership with SFI and SFIE for many years by sharing leads and managing nationwide client portfolios, Brian Cescolini, chairman and co-CEO of Universal Services of America, said in a statement. “This partnership makes Universal the strongest privately owned security company in the U.S.," Cescolini said. "As we expand our operations into the Southeast, our customers can expect the same hands on management support and superior customer service with a wider scope of delivery and service options.”

Universal Protection Service now claims it's the 6th largest security company in the United States and the 4th largest security organization owned by a U.S.-based company, according to its press release.

Besides Universal Protection Service, Universal Services of America's other divisions include Universal Building Maintenance, Universal Protection Security Systems and Universal Fire/Life Safety Services.