Rentokil Initial plc, the business support services contractor, is back in the manned guarding sector. It has acquired Knightsbridge Guarding Holdings Limited and Perception UK LLP.
Both businesses will become part of the company’s Initial Facilities Services division. For the facilities contractor this represents a return to manned guarding as Rentokil sold its guarding arm Initial Security to FM contractor MITIE in 2006.
Knightsbridge Holdings is said to be the 17th largest security provider in the UK. Aimed specifically for the corporate sector and its client base comprises blue-chip London-based clients. It employs 950 security guards in the City and West End.
Perception UK LLP is a ‘front of house’ business which provides services to flagship buildings around London. Services offered include the provision of receptionists, fresh flowers, seasonal decorations, newspapers, revolving artwork and music. The contractor says that the UK cleaning sector has moved over the last few years from single service supply to integrated services and facilities management.
The company says that this shift represents an opportunity for it (providing core FM activities including cleaning, catering, mechanical and electrical building management and manned guarding), to strengthen its integrated services offering to customers, thereby maximising customer retention and up-selling opportunities.
Peter Lloyd, Divisional Managing Director, Initial Facilities Services, said: “We are delighted to have secured two strong and growing businesses which nicely complement the existing operations in our division. Our customers are increasingly looking for a bundled services offering and today’s acquisitions will help us meet that demand and maintain long-term customer relationships.”
About Rentokil Initial plc
Rentokil Initial is operating in all the major economies of Europe, North America, Asia Pacific and Africa. The company has some 68,000 employees providing a range of support services in 50 countries. Services include textiles and washroom services, pest control, tropical plants, parcels delivery and facilities services.
For the year ended 30 September 2009 Knightsbridge Holdings generated revenue of £32.5m. For the year ended 31 December 2009 Perception UK generated revenue of £1.3m.
