Services and risk solutions company Fidelity Services Group has acquired a majority shareholding in security, facilities management and cleaning services company SSG Holdings, which will accelerate Fidelity's provision of integrated facilities services across the region.

The acquisition will expand Fidelity’s footprint to more than 256 locations and grow its workforce to about 69 200 employees across Southern Africa, the company says.

“This deal strengthens Fidelity’s leadership in commercial integrated security, cleaning and facilities management. SSG’s experienced leadership and team are aligned with our continued focus on operational excellence and innovation,” says Fidelity Group CEO Wahl Bartmann.

SSG will become a subsidiary of Fidelity and continue to operate under its own brand and existing leadership team.

Key shareholders, including Richmark and Northam Platinum, will retain a significant equity stake and board representation, thereby ensuring continuity and strategic input.

SSG’s high standards of service delivery and client engagement will remain unchanged, Bartmann adds.

Additionally, a comprehensive management retention programme is part of the transaction, which is aimed at ensuring continuity, performance and alignment with Fidelity’s long-term growth objectives.

“Fidelity’s diverse expertise and deep resources will allow us to elevate our services even further, while remaining true to our commitment to service excellence. We are proud of what the SSG team has built and we are confident that this partnership provides the right foundation for our future growth,” says SSG CEO John Smit.

Further, the acquisition builds on Fidelity’s strategic expansion, which includes acquisitions such as ADT South Africa from Tyco, Bidvest Protea Coin Cash Management Solutions from The Bidvest Group, and key assets from National Security (formerly Chubb Security).

Each of these has significantly enhanced the company’s scale, profitability and service capabilities, the group says.

Bartmann and Smit are former Springbok rugby players, with Smit having served as Springbok captain, and this acquisition brings them together in the boardroom, Fidelity says.