Allied Universal, a facility services company has acquired Apollo International, a security company headquartered in Walpole, Mass., with a global office in New York.

“Over the last 10 years, we’ve considered Apollo International a strategic partner for security in the Northeast region. I have the highest level of admiration for Apollo’s owners and I am excited we have ensured that Apollo and Allied Universal will work together providing unparalleled service, systems and solutions to serve, secure and care for the people and businesses of our communities,” said Steve Jones, Allied Universal CEO. “I am very proud to have Apollo become part of Allied Universal.”

With a presence in 30 U.S. states and select global markets, Apollo International provides uniformed security officers, concierge/desk attendant services, investigations, special operations, competitive intelligence, risk management consulting, vulnerability assessments and other security/asset protection programs in many of the same vertical industries that Allied Universal serves. With annual revenues of $88 million and 3,400 employees, the privately-owned entity has been in business since 1990.

Apollo International Chairman and Founder Dennis Crowley and Dick Ryer, Apollo International CEO, said, “We are excited about this opportunity for employees to become an integral part of the largest American-owned security company in the country. And we are grateful for the loyalty, integrity and first-class service our employees have delivered for so many years. We look forward to parlaying that legacy with the opportunity for future growth with Allied Universal.”

Apollo International was recognized this year as the second largest Vietnam veteran-owned Massachusetts company, based on employee count. Crowley and Ryer had served together in Vietnam in 1966 and had committed to a future venture together, a commitment that led to Apollo International 26 years ago.

The acquisition of Apollo International comes on the heels of the merger of Universal Services of America and AlliedBarton Security Services to form the new Allied Universal and combine best practices, experience and expertise to benefit clients and employees. It also leads up to the observance of National Security Officer Appreciation Week, Sept. 18-24, when the company encourages everyone to show their support and appreciation for security officers by using the website AUS.com/ThankYouSecurity and hashtag #ThankYouSecurity.