Security Guard Services Industry Profile

Companies in this industry provide guard and patrol services. Major companies include US-based Allied Universal and National Security Alliance, as well as GardaWorld (Canada), Prosegur (Spain), Secom (Japan), and Securitas (Sweden).

The global investigation and security services industry is forecast to grow about $590 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.6%, according to The Business Research Company. Growth in demand for security services is spurred by growing urbanization in developing markets, real and perceived threats of crime and terrorism, and rising middle class populations that can afford supplemental security services.

The US security guard services industry includes about 9,500 establishments (single-location companies and units of multi-location companies) with combined annual revenue of about $30 billion.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Demand is driven by the need for the government, corporations, and other entities to protect their facilities, employees, data, and other assets. The profitability of individual companies depends on operational efficiency. Demand typically remains strong even during economic downturns due to growing global security concerns. Large companies enjoy economies of scale in marketing and administration; small companies can compete by specializing in serving particular types of clients or geographic areas. The US industry is concentrated: the 50 largest companies generate about 65% of industry revenue.

PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY

Major services include security guard and patrol services, which account for about 97% of industry revenue. Security services for special events account for less than 5%. ...