The Hindu Business Line : AP Securitas ties up with ARES Group of Israel

Mumbai, Dec. 23 AP Securitas Group (APS) of India, providing security services to major Indian corporate houses, is in talks with the committee for Commonwealth Games to provide specialised security services and manpower.

It is also looking to expand its clientele for providing specialised services, other than manpower, into sectors such as hospitality, aviation, retail, hospitals and malls.

“The recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai have clearly established that the security scenario in India has changed radically and for all times to come. It requires a paradigm shift in the manner in which security services have to be provided in these changed circumstances,” Mr Anil Puri, Executive Director, APS Group of Companies, told newspersons on Monday.

He said, apart from physical security related infrastructure, there needs to be mental awareness that security is “your own need”. He added that incidents like the November 26 terror attacks show that there is a crying need for companies to have crisis management teams both onsite and at remote locations.

“To begin with, when any emergency situation arises — could be fire — it’s for the crisis management team to provide with layouts of the building, furnish details like number of people inside, etc, which will aid the agencies battling out the situation at ground zero,” he said.

Shield for hospitality

On a specific query on security services to hospitality industry, Mr Puri said the company is in talks with big as well as small players in the sector who in turn have shown interest in going beyond security manpower requirements to adopt advanced safety measures as well.

Both The Oberoi Group and Indian Hotels Company have already got international security agencies to guide them on safety and security measures. Hotels of these hospitality majors were under siege by gunmen on November 26.

Israeli link

The Rs 120-crore APS has also signed a joint venture with ARES Group of Israel for providing advanced security solutions and consultancy services in the country. The new company is named ARES-APS Security Services Pvt Ltd.

The Israel-based company has been involved with provision of security services to Olympic Games in Atlanta, Athens and Beijing.

Its expertise in security for hospitality sector has been utilised by multinational brands Hilton, Sheraton, Harrods and Holiday Inn. Aviation, maritime security, anti-terror and VIP security are other areas where the company has shared its experience.

As part of the 50:50 venture, the company will invest $5 million by 2010 and expects to generate business worth $10 million, said Mr Puri.

APS currently has presence in 180 cities in India. It provides specialised services to corporates such as HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Reliance and Axis Bank.

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