Universal Protection Service Acquires IPC International

SANTA ANA, Calif., Nov. 26, 2013 /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 IPC International. Started in 1978 as General Investigative Corp., they later became IPC International and eventually grew to become the industry leader in mall security staffing across the country. Founded by Howard L. Kaplan more than 35 years ago, IPC International set the standard, meeting the protection needs of more than 450 properties worldwide.

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"With the acquisition of IPC International, Universal Protection Service is now the leader in security guard services for retail properties in the U.S.," said Steve Jones, CEO of Universal Services of America. "This is the largest acquisition Universal has ever completed and it is very strategic as Universal Protection Service now employs over 35,000 security officers throughout 47 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. What makes this acquisition so exciting for us is that we are getting some exceptional people from IPC, which will strengthen our already solid management group."

The acquisition of IPC International makes Universal Protection Service a major player in the shopping center security operations.

"For the past 35 years it has been an honor to serve an industry sector that has evolved into one of the most dedicated to physical security and public safety," said Howard L. Kaplan, Founder, President  & CEO. "We have been most fortunate to have worked with the best developers, owners and managers of regional and super regional shopping centers worldwide, and Universal Protection is completely qualified and engaged to continue to enhance and provide simply the best array of service provisions."

Universal Protection Service is the 5^th largest security company in the U.S. Universal Protection Service is a division of Universal Services of America, which includes Universal Building Maintenance, Universal Protection Security Systems and Universal Fire/Life Safety Services.

"Universal and IPC's solid reputations and combined 80+ years of security experience protecting American assets makes us the most capable security services firm in the industry," said Brian Cescolini, Executive Chairman for Universal Services of America. "Universal will now secure over 500 malls and retail shopping centers backed by the strongest and experienced management team ever found in this industry."

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 nationwide, 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