Security through the ages
In the beginning of the 1900's, private security companies became increasingly common. The services that these companies offered were primarily keeping watch for fires and guarding entrances and gates. Today, security solutions are designed to meet specialized customer demands and the industry is led by a few international focused security companies – among them Securitas.
1934
Erik Philip-Sörensen founds Hälsingborgs Nattvakt in Helsingborg, Sweden. It quickly expands as Sörensen acquires a number of other security companies in southern Sweden. The amalgamated company is called Förenade Svenska Vakt AB.
1949
Securitas Alarm is founded in Sweden to meet the demand for alarm technology as a complement to the guarding services.
1972
All companies owned by Erik Philip-Sörensen are gathered under the collective name Securitas. The logotype of three red dots – for Integrity, Vigilance and Helpfulness – quickly becomes a well-known symbol, first in Sweden, then internationally.
1981
Securitas is divided between Sörensen's two sons. The international operations later develops into todays Group 4 Securicor, while the Swedish business becomes Securitas.
1983
Securitas in Sweden is sold to Skrinet.
1985
Investment AB Latour becomes Securitas' new owner. Focus on security – a new strategy is outlined and the concept of multi-service is left behind.
1989
Securitas initiates its international expansion under Melker Schörling's leadership, Chief Executive Officer of the Group at the time. The expansion begins with acquisitions in Norway, Denmark and Portugal. In addition, operations are established in Hungary.
1991
Securitas is listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange.
1992 – 1993
In 1992 Securitas acquires Protectas with operations in France, Switzerland, Austria and Germany. In Spain, Esabe is acquired.Thomas Berglund becomes President and CEO for Securitas AB in 1993.
1994
Securitas acquires Finnish Abloy which is merged with the lock company Assa that was acquired in 1988. Assa Abloy is distributed to the shareholders and becomes a world leading Lock Group.
1997
Securitas Direct is established as an international division. The Cash Handling Services operation is established as a separate unit within Securitas.
1998
Proteg in France and Raab-Karcher in Germany is acquired
1999-2000
The establishment of Securitas in the USA starts in 1999 with the acquisition of Pinkerton – the number one security company in the U.S. In 2000, the second largest U.S. security company Burns is acquired. In addition, several regional companies were acquired and a new number one player in the U.S. market was created – Securitas with a 20 percent market share.
2001-2003
From being a country based organization, Securitas is organized in five specialized divisions in 2001 for greater business focus. The same year Securitas acquires Loomis, Fargo & Co. and becomes a major player in the U.S. cash handling market. 2002-2003 further acquisitions are made in the Netherlands, Spain, Germany and the USA to further strengthen the market position.
2004
The Security Systems division acquires Bell Group plc. in the UK and Eurotelis in France to become a market leader for banks and other high security customers. The Cash Handling Services division considerably strengthened its market position in France by the acquisition of Valiance.
2006
Securitas Systems is firmly established as its own business, for customers to whom security matters