The most powerful private security companies in the world

It's hard to put a price on peace of mind. Fear can be a powerful motivator in turbulent times, which means some people are more than motivated to pay private security companies to go the extra mile in protecting their loved ones and property. Companies operating in crisis zones around the world may need protection as well. This created a need for more vigilant and military-oriented security service providers.

The most powerful private security companies in the world

Sometimes, these companies also assist governments and armed forces, providing highly trained armed personnel and logistical support.

The most powerful private security companies in the world:

Brink Company:

Brink's private security company is located in Virginia, but it has a network spread in most destinations in the world. Brink's company operates in more than 100 countries, and employs approximately 70,000 employees.

Perry Brink founded Brink's City Express in Chicago in 1859 and began using a horse-drawn carriage to transport customers' suitcases from local railroad stations to hotels. In 1891, Brink's company made its first transit cash delivery, transporting six bags full of dollars.

Brink's is known for its large fleet of armored pickup trucks, which it uses to help serve the needs of governments, mints, banks, jewelers and other businesses. Brink's Security also handles airport security, guarding, logistics and cash management. In 2011, Brink's generated profits of US$3.9 billion

(CONTROL RISKS) Controlling risks:

Headquartered in London, England, but with 36 offices around the world, Control Risks is an international consulting and professional services firm dedicated to “helping organizations manage political, integrity and security risks in complex and hostile environments.” Control Risks began as a division of the insurance company Hogg Robinson in 1975 and became independent in 1982.

When major companies around the world began operating in lesser-known areas in the 1990s, Control Risks focused on developing intelligence, investigative and strategic advisory services, providing expert analysis and in-depth investigations by dealing with sensitive political issues and providing protection and practical support on the ground.” Following its work in Iraq Insuring the oil company's assets, Control Risks generated revenues of $223.32 million in 2010.

GARDAWORLD:

Canadian company GardaWorld believes it is “the largest privately owned security company in the world.” Private security company Guardworld is headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, but employs approximately 45,000 people worldwide and on the continents of North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.

GardaWorld provides personnel and resources to at least 140 cities and protects 28 airports in North America. Its International Protection Services division aims to protect “clients in complex and emerging markets.”

In August 2013, Guardworld acquired G4S's Canadian cash management division, the transportation and custodial business, in a deal believed to be worth approximately $110 million.

And in December 2013, GardaWorld agreed to a 12-year cash management deal with Bank of America worth $1.4 billion.

At the end of April 2012, GardaWorld's total quarterly revenue was approximately $300 million.

ALLIEDBARTON ALLIES:

AlliedBarton is a Pennsylvania-based private security company founded in 1957. Allied Private Security Company has more than 50,000 employees, distributed in 120 offices around the United States of America. AlliedBarton is the largest US-owned security officer company in America.

Private security companies

The company focuses on various areas, including higher education campuses, commercial properties, aerospace, defense sites, housing, shopping malls, healthcare facilities, and chemical industries. Through its “Hire Our Heroes” program, AlliedBarton is recruiting former members of the Armed Forces and Reserves and their relatives to bolster its cadre of “highly trained security personnel.” In November 2013, Victory Media included AlliedBarton on its 2014 lists of the Best Military-Friendly and Spouse-Friendly Companies to Work For. The company specializes in “local response” and “national support”. In 2012, its annual revenue exceeded $1.9 billion.

SECURITY BY :

Securitas AB, founded in Helsingborg, Sweden in 1934, is a global security company with main offices in Stockholm.

In 2012, the company had about 300,000 workers spread across 53 countries and annual revenues of more than $10 billion.

Security company Securitas AB's services include guards, patrols, investigations, home alarm systems, loss prevention, security consulting and the supply of guard dogs. The three main departments are the European Security Services, the Ibero-American Security Services, and the North American Security Services.

To facilitate the cash transportation service, Securitas AB operates specialized vehicles with metal safes as well as a fleet of bulletproof jeeps. It also specializes in securing large sporting, commercial and entertainment events.

G4S:

G4S describes itself as “the world's leading security and outsourcing group specializing in business operations in sectors where security and safety risks are a strategic threat.” The British multinational security giant was founded in 2004 when London-based Securicor merged with the Danish business group 4Falck.

G4S currently employs more than 620,000 people, making it the third largest private sector employer globally. In 2012, G4S turned over more than $12 billion. The company provides a range of services, including the supply of security personnel, surveillance equipment, response units and the safe transport of prisoners. G4S also works with governments abroad to provide security.