The Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) recently approved Stephan Cretier, the CEO of KK Security Limited, to acquire its parent company Canada-based Doctor No Parent Limited, making him its sole owner.
Doctor No Parent operates in Kenya through GardaWorld Limited, where Crétier is the CEO, trading as Kenya Kazi Services better known as KK Security Limited.
KK Security provides services like manned security guarding, facilities management, canine security, VIP protection, and cash-in-transit.
“The CAK has approved the proposed acquisition of sole control of Doctor No Parent Limited by Mr Cretier unconditionally,” the regulator said in a statement.
“This approval has been granted based on the finding that the transaction is unlikely to negatively impact competition in the market for the provision of private security and facility management, nor elicit negative public interest concerns,” the competition watchdog explained.
GardaWorld offers solutions such as security guard services, cash transportation, and risk management across various industries and countries. Under his leadership, GardaWorld has expanded internationally and now operates in more than 40 countries.
Career
Photo: Courtesy
Stephan began the company in 1995 with an investment of $25,000( Kshs 3.28 million) he raised by placing a second mortgage on his home.
His entry into the security industry was unexpected. While on an international scouting trip to the USA, he worked as a store detective and noticed that recruiters weren’t properly vetting security guards.
Seeing this gap, he decided to take action. Drawing from his background in baseball and umpiring, he founded GardaWorld, focusing on professionalism and stricter hiring standards to improve security services.
His early months as an entrepreneur were tough, with the pressure of nearly filing for bankruptcy four times. However, as time passed, the business began to grow, and in his first year, he earned $600,000 (Kshs 77.5 million).
Fast forward to today, and GardaWorld now generates over $5 billion (Kshs 647.7 million) in annual revenue. It has become one of the largest employers in the security industry, with 122,000 employees worldwide.
The security mogul privatized GardaWorld in a $1.1 billion( kshs 142 billion) deal with the support of private equity firm Apax Partners. Later, in 2019, he led the largest buyout in Canadian history, valued at $5.2 billion(Kshs 672 billion), in collaboration with BC Partners. As a result, Crétier and selected management now own 49% of GardaWorld, allowing him to retain significant control over the company.
How To Join KK Security
To join KK Security, you need to be physically fit, have a clean criminal record, hold a valid security guard license, complete the necessary training, and exhibit excellent customer service skills.
Depending on the role, additional qualifications may be required, such as expertise in canine handling or close protection for specialized positions. All candidates must also adhere to the high standards of compliance and ethical conduct set by the GardaWorld group.
To apply for a role at the company, visit the KK Security Careers page to submit your CV or express interest in a role with KK Security.
Check the box of your country of origin, fill in your first and last name, add your email address and phone number and submit your CV.
Ensure you state the subject and body of your application in the dedicated input fields.
Only shortlisted candidates are contacted for interview.
