Kings moves for Co-op’s Sunwin Fire and Security
FAMILY-owned Kings Security Systems will create more than 100 jobs in Yorkshire after buying Sunwin Fire and Security in a multi-million pound deal.
Bradford-based Kings believes the acquisition will turn it into a £35m turnover business next year.
Commercial security business Sunwin Fire and Security is part of the Sunwin Services Group, owned by The Co-operative Group.
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 keyholding 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.
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.”
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.”
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.
Lester Wilson, partner at law firm DWF in Leeds, acted for Kings Security. Pinsent Masons in Manchester acted for Co-Op.
