G4S announced the acquisition of ISS from FS Invest, which is indirectly owned by funds advised by EQT Partners and by GS Capital Partners. The transaction values ISS at around US$8.2 billion or $23.94 per share.
FS Invest will receive half of the consideration in cash and half in new shares in the enlarged G4S group which are expected to represent approximately 11 percent of G4S's share capital. Shares in the enlarged G4S group will be traded on the stock exchanges in London and Copenhagen, and FS Invest's shares in G4S will be subject to a lock-up restriction for nine months.
The board of directors of ISS and the owners believe that the contemplated transaction is strategically compelling and that it will create a global leader in integrated security and facilities services, with continued strong growth potential. The combined group will have more than 1 million employees in more than 130 countries and combined revenue of $24.98 billion in 2010. Around 25 percent of the combined revenue of the group will come from fast-growing emerging economies.