A Newcastle security company has been snapped up by a Yorkshire rival in an undisclosed deal.
Professional Security, based in Leeds, has strengthened its position in the hospitality security sector after acquiring Phoenix Security. Launched in 2005, Professional Security operates nationwide across the hospitality, leisure, retail and public sectors, with independent, regional and national operators in the UK. The business said it has seen transformational growth over the last few years, with established hospitality security and guarding divisions.
Phoenix Security, meanwhile, was established in May 2000 by managing director Steve Howe and has door supervisors working across the UK from Aberdeen to Southampton. The company has clients including McDonalds, KFC, Stonegate Group, Revolution Bar Group, Turtle Bay, Lane 7, Roxy Leisure and Mojos.
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The deal, which Professional Security said marks the biggest acquisition in its history, creates a combined workforce of over 10,000 frontline personnel and will see Professional Security integrate the full Phoenix operations team into its four regional operational teams.
Mr Howe, managing director of Phoenix, will remain in the business as business director of Professional Security.
Professional Security CEO Dave Fullerton said: “We are absolutely delighted with the acquisition of Phoenix. Phoenix is an exceptionally well-run business and its operational footprint perfectly complements our own. They have built up an incredible client portfolio and have an exceptional operations and frontline team, all of which we look forward to working with over the coming weeks, months and years. Steve’s appointment as business director will add further strength and industry insight to our senior leadership team.”
Mr Howe added: “I’m excited to be moving on to the next chapter with Professional Security. As a combined entity, we will have an unmatched nationwide staff base and the biggest operational infrastructure in the sector. We are very much aligned on strategy for the business and the direction of the industry. We’re looking forward to combining best practise from both businesses to further strengthen the service we offer our valued client base.”
Professional Security was advised on the deal by Sarah Harrison of Clarion.
Professional Security and Phoenix are both Approved Contract Scheme (ACS) accredited and endorse best practice.
Jason Thorndycraft, COO at Professional Security, added: “We feel that the security sector needs to re-regulate post Covid and this acquisition gives us the opportunity to make positive change.”
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