SANTA ANA, Calif., Oct. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Universal Protection Service, a division of Universal Services of America and one of the largest providers of security services in the U.S., is excited to announce that they have acquired Security Forces, Inc. (SFI) and their electronic security systems company, SFI Electronics, Inc. (SFIE). With their outstanding reputation in the security industry, SFI has been providing security guard services since 1949 and employs over 3,500 security professionals who are supported by 31 offices throughout the southeastern U.S.

“SFI and SFIE have an unblemished reputation and are one of the strongest regional security providers in the U.S. I am extremely excited to have Larry and Heather O’Brien and all of the Security Forces team members part of Universal Protection Service,” said Steve Jones, Co-CEO and Chief Operating Officer of Universal Services of America. Jones went on further to state that “this acquisition is truly transformational and grants us the ability to provide true coast to coast service to our clients.”

“Our entire organization is excited to be part of Universal Protection Service. The combined resources of Universal and SFI/SFIE create an unmatched customer service delivery capability and allows both organizations to continue working directly with clients in defined geographic areas,” said Larry O’Brien, Chairman and CEO of SFI. “By coming together, we have created the best possible platform for further developing our innovative processes.”

The acquisitions of SFI and SFIE will expand Universal’s security force to Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

“Universal Protection Service has known SFI and SFIE for many years; we have worked together in a strategic partnership by sharing leads and managing nationwide client portfolios. We feel their management and impeccable service matches the overall culture and service delivery at Universal,” said Brian Cescolini, Chairman and Co-CEO of Universal Services of America. “This partnership makes Universal the strongest privately owned security company in the U.S. As we expand our operations into the Southeast, our customers can expect the same hands on management support and superior customer service with a wider scope of delivery and service options.”

Universal Protection Service is now the 6th largest security company in the U.S. and the 4th largest U.S. owned security organization. Universal Protection Service is a division of Universal Services of America, which includes Universal Building Maintenance, Universal Protection Security Systems and Universal Fire/Life Safety Services. As they move ahead with their recent expansion, Universal looks forward to continuing to provide their clients with the best security solutions, personalized customer service and unmatched value available.

For additional security news, visit http://www.universal1965.com.

About Universal Services of America

Founded in 1965, Universal Services of America combines an innovative mix of tradition with cutting edge systems and technology to keep pace with the ever-evolving needs of today’s business environments. Headquartered in Santa Ana, Calif., with offices located throughout Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Washington, Universal employs hands-on, highly experienced management teams and continuous training to deliver consistent, high quality security solutions. Universal is made up of four unique divisions: Universal Protection Service, which offers a wide range of security professionals for commercial properties of every type; Universal Building Maintenance, which specializes in green cleaning services for every kind of facility; Universal Security Systems, which provides full-service security systems; and Universal Fire/Life Safety Services, which offers all aspects of emergency preparation. (State licenses: 1003458, 14417, 1025514, 0600, 58361, 11-1376, A2000170). Visit us at: http://www.universalpro.com. Keep up with the latest news at: http://www.universal1965.com

SOURCE Universal Services of America