History of Allied Universal in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 20, 2025

Allied Universal is a major American private security and staffing company headquartered in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania and Irvine, California. Established in 2016 through the merger of AlliedBarton and Universal Services of America, it has risen to become the world's largest provider of private security guards. Furthermore, Allied Universal ranks as the third-largest United States-based employer worldwide, boasting a workforce of approximately 800,000 employees.

1957: Allied Security Founded

In 1957, Allied Security was founded in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as a provider of contracted security guards and related services.

1965: Universal Protection Service Founded

In 1965, Universal Protection Service was founded, initially starting as a janitorial company.

1969: Universal Protection Service Expands into Security

In 1969, Universal Protection Service expanded its operations to include security services.

2004: Allied Security Acquires Security Systems Inc. and Barton Protective Services

In 2004, Allied Security acquired Security Systems Inc. and Barton Protective Services, forming AlliedBarton Security Services. This acquisition created the largest American-owned contract security services company in the United States.

2016: AlliedBarton and Universal Services of America Merger

In 2016, AlliedBarton and Universal Services of America merged to create Allied Universal, becoming the world's largest provider of private security guards.

February 2017: Allied Universal Officially Begins Operations

In February 2017, the merged company officially began operations under the name Allied Universal, becoming the largest security company in North America.

January 2018: Settlement of Religious Discrimination Lawsuit

In January 2018, Allied Universal paid $90,000 to settle a religious discrimination lawsuit from a Muslim employee in California.

2019: Ransomware Attack and Ownership Change

In 2019, Allied Universal was targeted by a ransomware attack. Also in December 2019, Wendel sold most of its stake in Allied Universal.

December 2020: G4S Takeover Offer Accepted

In December 2020, the Board of Directors and shareholders for G4S unanimously accepted a takeover offer from Allied Universal.

January 2021: Acquisition of SecurAmerica

In January 2021, Allied Universal acquired SecurAmerica, a competitor based in Atlanta.

April 2021: Acquisition of G4S Completed

In April 2021, Allied Universal completed its acquisition of G4S, creating a combined company with 800,000 employees and over 18 billion USD in revenues.

February 2022: Allied Universal Employee Count

As of February 2022, Allied Universal employed about 800,000 people.

June 2023: Divestment from Israel

In June 2023, it was reported that Allied Universal subsidiary G4S would be divesting completely from Israel due to campaigning from the G4S Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement.