Co-op sells its Sunwin Fire and Security business
THE Co-operative Group has sold its Manchester-based Sunwin Fire and Security business to a Yorkshire company in a multi-million pound deal.
Kings Security Systems will create more than 100 jobs in Yorkshire after the acquisition of the Manchester-based business.
Commercial security business Sunwin Fire and Security is part of the Sunwin Services Group.
Bradford-based Kings Security Systems believes the acquisition will turn it into a £35m turnover business next year. More than 90 staff are expected to transfer from Sunwin Services Group’s office in Manchester, with a further 15 new positions being created at Kings’ head office
The deal will mean that Kings will hold one of the largest security monitoring and key-holding contracts in the UK, managing the security at more than 4,500 Co-operative premises including its food, healthcare, financial services, funeral and travel service operations.
Phil Wilsmer, director of group risk services of The Co-operative Group, added: “The group took the decision to move away from an in-house fire and safety Services provision.
“To bring it under the Kings reputable brand was the ideal solution as it allows clear synergies with the other services that Kings currently delivers to the group.”
Anthony King, managing director of Kings Security Systems, said: “This is great news for Kings and an important milestone that will help us to grow and strengthen our business further. The synergies between the two operations were perfectly aligned so it made sense for us to buy this business.
“We look forward to welcoming our new employees and developing the fire and security product offering as part of our expanding portfolio of services.”
Established in 1968, Kings Security Systems is still owned by the Kings family. The organisation has grown to be the largest independently owned security provider in the UK.
Services include intruder alarm systems, CCTV systems, manned guarding, access control systems, intelligence services, data security services, fire protection, 24/7 remote monitoring and gates, barriers and fencing.
Sunwin Fire and Safety provides design, installation and maintenance services for items including CCTV, emergency lighting and fire extinguishers.
