Allied Universal wins takeover battle for security giant G4S

US company Allied Universal has won a bidding war for UK security giant G4S, with directors agreeing a takeover deal worth £3.8bn.
By Ismail Mulla
Published 9th Dec 2020, 07:06 BST
Updated 9th Dec 2020, 07:12 BST
UK security giant G4S,UK security giant G4S,
UK security giant G4S,

The deal will create a "global leader in security" with over 750,000 employees and follows a tussle between Allied and Canada's GardaWorld.

Directors for G4S said they were "unanimously recommending" the 245p per share offer to shareholders.

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The offer trumped the latest from GardaWorld at 235p a share for G4S under its final cash offer - itself up 24 per cent from its previous 190p-a-share bid, which valued G4S at £3bn.

Allied's approach started at "at least" 210p per share, while G4S closed at 255p on Tuesday, up 3.2%.

Ashley Almanza, CEO of G4S, said: "The combination of G4S and Allied Universal creates the global leader in security with over 750,000 employees, industry leading capabilities and unrivalled market coverage.

"This unique and compelling combination will offer customers exceptional service and provides employees with an exciting future."

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Steve Jones, president and chief executive of Allied Universal, said: "We are delighted that our offer of 245 pence per share has been recommended by the G4S Board.

"Our businesses know each other well, we share a similar culture and values and I am excited about what the combination of Allied Universal and G4S can deliver.

"G4S has an excellent service offering, an enviable global customer portfolio and it is led by a highly experienced management team."

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Related topics:Steve JonesCanada