Securitas acquires VNV Beveiliging BV in the Netherlands

12/18/2001 3:39 AM EST

Securitas has today reached an agreement to acquire VNV Beveiliging BV,
the second largest security company in the Netherlands. VNV is based in
Amsterdam and has nationwide coverage through its 6 main branches in the
Netherlands. VNV has estimated sales for 2001 of approximately MSEK
1,600 (MEUR 170) and 4,600 employees. Together with existing operations
in the Netherlands, Securitas will have sales of approximately MSEK
1,800 (MEUR 190) and more than 5,000 employees in the Netherlands.

VNV is active within guarding (80 percent of sales), installation and
servicing of access control systems and alarms (7 percent of sales),
monitoring of alarms (4 percent of sales) and other security-related
services (9 percent of sales). Total sales for 2001 are estimated to be
MEUR 170 with an operating margin of approximately 7 percent.

VNV is 77 percent owned by an investment company and the management owns
the remainder of the company. Mr. Gustave Ho-Meau Long has successfully
been the company's Managing Director for 10 years and he will continue
in this position after the acquisition.

The purchase price is set to some MSEK 1,036 (MEUR 110) and goodwill as
a result of the acquisition is estimated at MSEK 961 (MEUR 102) and will
be amortized over 20 years.

"The acquisition of VNV will enhance our market position and strengthen
our management team in the Netherlands and at the same time contribute
positively to the income of the Securitas Group from year 2002" says
Thomas Berglund, President and CEO of Securitas.

The acquisition is not subject to approval by Competition Authorities
and will be included in the Securitas Group from January 1, 2002.

Further information may be obtained from Thomas Berglund, President and
CEO or Håkan Winberg, Executive Vice President and CFO, phone: +44 20
4832 6500.