Rentokil Initial acquires Knightsbridge Guarding and Perception (UK)

28 Jun 10

Rentokil Initial – a leading provider of business support services – has this morning announced the acquisitions of Knightsbridge Guarding Holdings Limited and Perception (UK) LLP.

By Brian Sims

Both businesses will become part of the company’s Initial Facilities Services division, and greatly enable it to strengthen its already solid position in the UK’s integrated facilities market.

Knightsbridge Guarding Holdings is the 17th largest security provider in the UK, its acquisition helping to build upon Rentokil Initial’s existing security guarding service.

Indeed, Knightsbridge Guarding enjoys a strong reputation as an expert provider of high calibre, bespoke security solutions specifically for the corporate sector. Its client base comprises blue chip, London-based clients who are looked after from the company’s base at College Hill right in the heart of The City.

For the year ended 30 September 2009, Knightsbridge Holdings generated revenues of £32.5 million. The business has grown significantly in the last few years, with the addition of a state-of-the-art, 24/7 Planning and Contingency Centre.

Currently, Knightsbridge Guarding employs 950 security officers in The Square Mile and also London’s West End.

Services to flagship buildings and clients

Perception (UK) LLP is a ‘Front of House’ business which provides services to flagship buildings and clients throughout London. Services offered include the provision of receptionists, revolving artwork and music.

For the year ended 31 December 2009, Perception (UK) generated revenues of £1.3 million.

The UK cleaning sector has moved over the last few years from single service supply to integrated services and facilities management. This shift represents an opportunity for Rentokil Initial (which provides core FM activities including cleaning, catering, mechanical and electrical building management and security guarding) to strengthen its integrated services offering to both existing and new customers, thereby maximising customer retention and up-selling opportunities.

Two "strong and growing businesses"

Speaking about the announcement, Peter Lloyd – the divisional managing director at Initial Facilities Services – explained: “We’re delighted to have secured two strong and growing businesses which nicely complement the existing operations in our division.”

Lloyd added: “Our customers are increasingly looking for a bundled services offering, and today’s acquisitions will help us meet that demand while at the same time maintaining long-term customer relationships.”

Rentokil Initial is one of the largest business services companies in the world, operating in all the major economies of Europe, North America, Asia Pacific and Africa. The company boasts 68,000 employees providing a range of support services in over 50 countries