Brian Sims
Editor
Brian Sims
Editor
THE SMARTWATER Group, the award-winning risk management company, has announced the acquisition of Tag Security Holdings, supported by its primary investment partner Freshstream. The deal further cements the SmartWater Group’s position as a leading provider of technology-enabled, intelligence-led security and crime deterrent solutions for customers in the construction, infrastructure, engineering, law enforcement and retail sectors.
The acquisition is the SmartWater Group’s first following Freshstream’s investment in March this year, which allowed the Group to target new sectors and also develop its services to meet the important security needs of a diverse set of customers across new geographies.
Operating as BetaGuard in Europe and as Tag Guard in the UK, Tag Security Holdings specialises in site intruder detection and access control products and services that are often deployed alongside the SmartWater Group’s existing portfolio. Under the terms of the agreement, the business will continue to serve its customers as distinct brands within the expanded SmartWater Group.
The partnership significantly enhances the SmartWater Group’s ability to fulfil immediate demand for its solutions within the EU, most notably the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium. Furthermore, the efficiencies and economies of scale enabled by the acquisition will enable BetaGuard and Tag Guard to further enhance their service and product capacity.
Significant milestone
Phil Cleary, CEO of the SmartWater Group, explained: “This acquisition marks a significant milestone as it establishes a strong foothold for the SmartWater Group in mainland Europe. We extend a warm welcome to our new colleagues as we continue to drive the business forward both here in the UK and internationally.”
Martin Berends, managing director of Tag Security Holdings, added: “Given the synergies and market potential, we’ve found a natural home within the SmartWater Group. We’re excited by the opportunity to provide an even broader span of technologies that deter crime and maximise the chances of a successful criminal prosecution.”
Jiri Taecke, principal at Freshstream, concluded: “We welcome BetaGuard and Tag Systems into the SmartWater Group family. Their combination is an exciting strategic coupling in the mobile security systems market. It offers each of the companies’ client bases access to a broader scope of differentiated technologies and Best-in-Class service and support, as well as significantly expanding the geographic reach as a combined group.”
