Allied Universal has acquired G4S, ending a months-long battle between Allied Universal and GardaWorld, based in Canada, to acquire the London-based security company.

“The combination of G4S and Allied Universal creates the global leader in security with revenues of over $18 billion, industry leading talent and expertise and unmatched market coverage,” said Ashley Almanza, G4S CEO. “This unique combination will offer customers exceptional service and provides employees with an exciting future. I would like to thank the Board and our shareholders for their support and to thank colleagues across G4S for their outstanding contribution to the successful re-positioning of G4S that has made this transaction possible. My team and I look forward to working with Allied to support a successful integration of the two businesses.”

Seventy-nine percent of G4S’s shareholders approved the deal, worth $5.3 billion.

“The G4S board believes that the offer provides shareholders with an attractive premium, while securing the future success of G4S for employees, customers, pension scheme members and other stakeholders,” said John Connolly, chairman of the G4S board. “I would like to thank Ashley and his team together with all employees for the successful transformation of G4S in recent years, which has made this transaction possible and I would like to thank my fellow Board members for their excellent work. Finally, I would like to thank all of our shareholders for their strong support.”

For more information, visit the G4S site.