Parties
Company
Garda World Security Corporation
Company
HPS Investment Partners, LLC
Company
BC Partners
On October 28, 2024, Stephan Crétier, GardaWorld’s Founder and CEO, led a management team in acquiring a 70% controlling interest in GardaWorld Security Corp. in a transaction valued at $13.5 billion, while minority investor HPS Investment Partners and others retained a 30% stake. BC Partners, GardaWorld's former majority owner, will maintain a minority position.
The transaction, positioned as the largest private buyout in Canadian history, underscored GardaWorld’s growth ambitions. Since BC Partners' initial investment in 2019, GardaWorld doubled annual operating profit to over $1 billion. Crétier highlighted plans for continued expansion and innovation, especially in AI-driven security services and cash management through GardaWorld’s Sesami and Crisis24 units. This follows GardaWorld’s recent acquisition of Stealth Monitoring, expanding its video surveillance offerings.
Legal advisors included Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP and Langlois Lawyers LLP for Crétier and GardaWorld’s senior management. Stikeman Elliott LLP and Latham & Watkins LLP represented HPS, while Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP and Kirkland & Ellis LLP advised BC Partners. Expected to close by February 2025, the transaction is leverage-neutral, requiring no additional financing at the corporate or subsidiary levels.
Deal Type
Merger & AcquisitionIndustry
OtherTransaction
$ 13,500,000,000Deal Status
ActiveClosing Date