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Square One Law advises on Valleywatch acquisition by The Protector Group

The Protector Group has moved into new markets with its purchase of Valleywatch, which was created 20 years ago to manually and electronically secure the Team Valley Trading Estate.

Square One Law advised The Protector Group on the acquisition of the Valleywatch business and assets and its purchase opens up the potential to further increase revenues by penetrating the national industrial estate security market.

Protector’s recent progress has been boosted by the acquisition of Hartlepool business QW Security in 2015, and staff numbers across the group have risen from 230 to 370 in the last two years.

Lord John Stevens, chairman of Protector who opened Valleywatch in 1996 when he was Chief Constable of Northumbria Police, said the acquisition was a crucial step in the development of the Gateshead business which last year posted record sales of £11.4m, up 20% on 2015. He continued:

“We are very pleased to have completed the purchase of this vital and well-respected business. Our aim is to develop new services and introduce new investment to build upon its long-established monitoring and response operation.

“Police cuts are supporting the growth of the private security industry and the purchase of Valleywatch means The Protector Group now possesses two control rooms supported by the region’s largest mobile response fleet.”

Bill Naylor, chairman of Valleywatch and founder of commercial property agency Naylors, said:

“The Protector Group has great reputation with the backing of well-respected and high-profile individuals. They understand our business and have an ethical approach to business. We like that they are a local company and we feel they are the perfect fit for the business.”

Valleywatch is a not for profit organization which was funded by over 100 of the Team Valley Trading Estate’s businesses after a wave of burglaries led to its nickname ‘Crime Valley’. Over the years the Valleywatch manned control room, complete with dozens of security cameras, has secured contracts as far south as Birmingham, and Scotland to the north.

Ken Slater, Chief Executive Officer of The Protector Group said:

“Our strategy is to continue to grow the business in a structured way, with the industrial estate protection market providing huge opportunities for The Protector Group. We will also be looking out for further acquisitions if suitable opportunities arise.”

In order to support its growth Protector signed new banking facilities with Barclays last year.

With the purchase of QW Security Protector also picked up QW Mutliclean allowing it to provide a comprehensive, facilities management package.

Mr Slater added: “We are further diversifying into combined security and construction cleaning services which is an ideal solution for Construction companies and housebuilders across the UK.”

Ashraf Ali, Senior Associate at Square One Law said:

“Square One Law was delighted to act for The Protector Group on this acquisition which will allow it to move into new markets.”

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