G4S buys mine clearance firm

A mine clearance firm with current operations in Afghanistan and Iraq was today acquired by Crawley-based security business G4S.

RONCO Consulting was founded in 1974 and since 1981 has completed over 650 projects involving mine and explosives clearance, security and specialised training. It employs more than 1,200 people worldwide and works on behalf of clients including the United Nations, NATO and the British government.

It will become part of G4S subsidiary Wackenhut Services, which specialises in security services, law enforcement and fire security. The Wackenhut division has 8,500 employees located in the United States and Iraq.

G4S did not disclose the price tag for RONCO, which is based in Washington DC. It has bought the business from Steve Edelmann, the current president.

Dave Foley, president of Wackenhut Services, said the acquisition of RONCO significantly increased the company’s capabilities.

He added: “RONCO’s reputation for service excellence is unrivalled in this market and the acquisition provides us with additional skills and expertise.”

G4S was formed in 2004 following the merger between Securicor and Group 4 Falck’s security business. It has operations in more than 100 countries and is the largest employer listed on the London Stock Exchange.