The Competition Commission of South Africa has approved two big transactions related to Fidelity Security Services, South Africa’s biggest private security firm.
South Africa’s largest private security firm, Fidelity Security Services, is undergoing major changes following the Competition Commission’s approval of two key transactions. The first involves Fidelity acquiring SSG Holdings, a company offering services such as guarding, electronic security, cleaning, and facilities management — all aligning with Fidelity’s operations. The deal includes conditions to limit anti-competitive effects, such as capping trade restraints to three years and offering SSG employees a chance to join Fidelity’s share ownership scheme.
The second approved transaction allows New Seasons Security Services (NSSS) to acquire Fidelity, with no conditions attached. NSSS was created specifically for this purpose and is part of a broader effort to simplify Fidelity’s shareholder structure and improve liquidity, particularly for its long-standing B-BBEE partners.
New Seasons Investments, Fidelity’s BEE equity partner since 2006, is behind NSSS. Founded in 1995, the group became part of a larger black-managed investment firm after merging with Nodus Equity in 2018. Fidelity remains a key partner in this entity.
These structural changes have reignited speculation that Fidelity may be preparing for a public listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). The company has confirmed it is actively exploring various options to unlock shareholder value and support long-term growth.
The Competition Commission’s green light marks a significant step forward in Fidelity’s expansion plans. Both transactions now await final approval from the Competition Tribunal.
Source: Business Tech
