Securiguard expands into Ontario with Russell Security acquisition

Vancouver-based Securiguard Services recently announced the acquisition of Russell Security Services, which provides guard service, mobile security, alarm response and private investigation services to a variety of clients across Ontario.

Robin Chakrabarti

The acquisition provides Securiguard — which operates primarily in B.C. and Alberta — an opportunity to expand its reach across the country, said company president Robin Chakrabarti.

Securiguard employs approximately 3,000 people — the addition of Russell expands the company’s employee base to about 4,000. Russell’s owner Joe Maher is staying on with the company post-acquisition with the title of executive founder, and will aid the transition with sales and client support.

Chakrabarti said Securiguard was drawn to Russell as a potential acquisition not only for its client base and breadth of services, but through a common set of values shared by both companies.

“The most exciting part for myself to do this deal with Joe was both organizations share a real value-based approach to running their businesses,” said Chakrabarti in an interview with Canadian Security. “It was really clear to me that Joe was leading from the front in terms of how he treated and developed the front lines of his organization, which was a real differentiator.”

Joe Maher

Chakrabarti said that he expects the company to unify branding in Ontario, with staff and vehicles sporting the Securiguard logo, by the end of January.

“We are grateful to our clients, employees and communities for their support over the last 48 years as we have grown from a single contract in Cassiar, B.C. to a national organization approaching 4,000 people strong,” added Darcy Kernaghan, founder of Securiguard, in a press release announcing the deal. “Thank you to the team and shareholders at RSSI for embracing the potential that these two organizations share and thanks to all those who have contributed to our success that paved the way for this energized national entity.”