Andrews International Acquires Verasys to Expand Delivery of Security Services Domestically and Abroad

Andrews International has entered into an agreement to acquire Verasys, a Miami-based consulting firm focused on global risk mitigation, investigations, with a growing uniformed security services division. The acquisition furthers Andrews International's position as the largest privately-owned US full-service provider of security and risk mitigation services, strengthening operations across North America, while providing greater capabilities in key Latin American markets and expanding the company's reach into areas throughout Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

With support from Andrews International's investment partner, Audax Group, the acquisition of Verasys closed Oct. 22, 2009. The agreement will bring Andrews International additional offices in Miami, Tampa, Dallas, Atlanta and Bogota, Colombia, expanding and facilitating service capabilities in all 50 states and Latin America. Additionally, Andrews International will leverage strategic partnerships Verasys has developed with affiliates worldwide. Following the merger, Andrews International will integrate its operations seamlessly with Verasys, delivering experienced and customer-focused management to its combined client base without any disruption to provision of services.

“As an industry leader, we are committed to exploring ways that facilitate our global service capabilities in order to provide solutions that balance business and security objectives and deliver the strongest, most cost-effective security programs to clients,” said Randy Andrews, Chairman and CEO of Andrews International. “Verasys has a reputation for quality service and its operation fits nicely into our existing infrastructure. Additionally, they have a ‘reach' that supports our international objectives, particularly in Latin America markets where we continue to experience strong growth.”

Andrews International's portfolio of services includes uniformed security, consulting and investigations, personal protection, asset protection/strike security, special event security, training, alarm monitoring and response, and disaster and emergency response services in all 50 states and internationally, serving a wide range of Fortune 500 corporations. While the acquisition brings with it important offices in the U.S. and strategic alliances abroad, Verasys' in-country specialists have been meeting the security needs of corporations and individuals throughout Latin America for years, adding to Andrews International's already formidable assets and experience in the region.

The Verasys acquisition continues Andrews International's growth strategy of organic business development, alliance-building and acquisition. It follows the recent June acquisition of the U.S. and Mexico guarding operations of Garda World Security Corporation, including the uniformed security, strike security/asset protection and US consulting and investigations operations of the company, encompassing 14 offices across the U.S. and abroad.