SANTA ANA, Calif., Sept. 4, 2012 /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 A&R Security Services, Inc. and United Security, LLC. Founded in 1967, A&R Security Services, Inc. is one of the largest privately owned and operated security providers in the Midwest. United Security, LLC operated as a part of A&R Security Services, Inc., but under a separate company name.

“The acquisition of A&R and United enable Universal Protection Service to execute its strategy of being a true national security service provider,” said Steve Jones, COO and Co-CEO of Universal Services of America. “With a strong presence throughout the Midwest, Universal Protection Service now has vast resources and unique capabilities throughout all of the major markets in the U.S.”

“A&R/United and Universal have been partners in business ventures before, so in many ways this is a natural progression,” said Christopher Thornton, President of A&R Security Services, Inc. “Our company shares so much in common with Universal that the only changes our customers will see are the advantages a first-class organization like Universal brings to our service delivery.”

The acquisition of A&R Security Services, Inc. and United Security, LLC will expand Universal’s security force throughout the Midwestern states of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

“We are pleased with the new additions to the Universal Protection Service team. A&R Security Services, Inc. and United Security, LLC have great long standing reputations in the Midwest. These acquisitions are Universal’s platform to provide that area of the U.S. with the enhanced level of customer service that we are famous for,” said Brian Cescolini, Chairman and Co-CEO of Universal Services of America. “We will continue to deliver unmatched customer service as we build one of the best contract security service providers nationwide.”

Universal Protection Service is now the 5^th largest security company in the U.S. and the 3^rd 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, Universal Fire/Life Safety Services, Security Forces LLC and SFI Electronics. 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, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, 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 Protection Service