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A Major Milestone in the Security Industry
In a landmark move that further solidifies its global position, GardaWorld has officially closed its previously announced recapitalization transaction, valuing the company at an impressive C$14 billion. This recapitalization marks the largest private buyout in Canadian history, demonstrating the company’s rapid ascent as a global powerhouse in security services, AI-enabled technology, integrated risk management, and cash automation.
The transaction represents a significant turning point for the Montreal-based firm, which employs over 132,000 professionals worldwide. With this new financial structure, the company is poised to continue its aggressive growth strategy and innovation across all segments of its business.
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Leadership Retains Control
Founder, Chairman, President, and CEO Stephan Crétier, alongside select members of GardaWorld’s senior leadership, now controls approximately 70% ownership in the company. This high level of leadership-held equity demonstrates deep confidence in GardaWorld’s long-term vision and continued momentum.
The remaining equity is held by a group of world-class institutional investors, including:
- HPS Investment Partners, a global investment firm managing approximately $148 billion in assets
- Oak Hill Advisors (OHA)
- One Investment Management (OneIM)
- Other minority investors
- BC Partners, which retains its existing minority stake
This investor structure ensures a balance of entrepreneurial agility and strategic capital—an ideal blend for ongoing expansion and innovation in the evolving security landscape.
GardaWorld Recapitalization: A Vision for Building Global Champions
According to Stephan Crétier, the recapitalization isn’t just about numbers—it’s about fueling a bold vision.
“GardaWorld builds global champion businesses. Our high-growth global champions lead their industries, driven by operational excellence, innovation, adaptability and exceptional value creation,” Crétier stated. “The closing of this transaction strengthens our ability to continue transforming and shaping the global security landscape.”
Crétier also emphasized the entrepreneurial culture at the heart of the company’s success, noting that GardaWorld’s achievements are backed by customers and stakeholders who believe in the firm’s capacity to tackle both complex global threats and local security needs.
GardaWorld Capitalization Strategic Legal and Financial Advisory Support
The successful completion of this transaction was backed by a consortium of legal and financial advisors across multiple firms. Legal counsel for various parties included:
- Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP and Langlois Lawyers LLP – counsel to GardaWorld, Crétier, and senior management
- Stikeman Elliott LLP and Latham & Watkins LLP – counsel to HPS Investment Partners
- Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP – counsel to BC Partners
Financial advisors included:
- Jefferies International Limited, UBS Investment Bank, and BofA Securities – advising GardaWorld
- TD Securities – advising HPS Investment Partners
- JPMorgan – advising BC Partners
The depth of legal and financial expertise involved reflects the complexity and scale of this milestone deal.
About GardaWorld: A Global Security Leader
GardaWorld is recognized as one of the largest privately owned security services companies in the world. The company operates across four primary business areas:
- Security Services – delivering physical security and guarding solutions for commercial and government clients
- AI-Enabled Security Technologies – developing tech-forward tools for monitoring, threat detection, and automation
- Integrated Risk Management – offering risk analysis, crisis response, and consulting services
- Cash Automation Solutions – managing and automating cash logistics for financial institutions and retailers
With operations in over 45 countries and a workforce of more than 132,000 security professionals, GardaWorld supports some of the world’s most prominent brands, governments, and high-profile individuals.
The company’s core values—integrity, vigilance, trust, and respect—are deeply woven into its service model. GardaWorld emphasizes tailored solutions and high-touch partnerships that go beyond traditional security services to support organizational resilience and public safety.
Looking Forward: Innovation and Global Growth
With the recapitalization complete, GardaWorld is expected to accelerate investment in emerging technologies, expand its service footprint, and pursue strategic acquisitions. The company’s leadership has expressed a clear focus on growth through:
- Operational Excellence – maintaining high performance and efficiency across service lines
- Technological Innovation – continuing to develop AI-driven solutions that enhance security intelligence and automation
- Global Expansion – deepening presence in existing markets while entering new regions with strong demand for integrated security services
A Defining Moment for the Industry
This C$14 billion transaction not only marks a milestone for GardaWorld but also signals a shift in the broader security industry. As threats become more sophisticated and widespread, companies like GardaWorld are playing an increasingly critical role in developing scalable, high-tech solutions that meet both local and global security needs.
The recapitalization offers GardaWorld greater flexibility to lead in an industry that is rapidly evolving—where technology, geopolitical dynamics, and public-private collaboration are reshaping how we think about safety, security, and resilience.
