Why private security companies sell very quickly?
Introduction
On the business transfer market, certain sectors attract more interest than others. Private security companies are part of this privileged category: they sell quickly, often at solid prices, and generate constant interest amongst buyers. This observation is not the result of chance.
Several structural factors explain this appeal. The sector has experienced sustained growth for years, driven by increasing demand for the protection of property and people. Security and surveillance companies generally have recurring contracts that ensure predictable financial stability. They also benefit from regulatory barriers to entry that limit competition and protect their value.
For a buyer, taking over a private security company often means inheriting a well-established operational structure, qualified personnel and a loyal client base. The transfer takes place under more favourable conditions than in other sectors, where dependence on the founder or revenue uncertainty complicate valuation.
This article analyses the concrete reasons for this attractiveness and what buyers are actually looking for in this sector.
📌 Summary (TL;DR)
Private security companies sell quickly thanks to their stable business model based on recurring contracts, their constant growth and their regulatory barriers to entry. They offer buyers a complete operational structure with qualified personnel and a diversified client base. Their valuation is facilitated by revenue predictability and low dependence on the founder, making them particularly sought-after assets on the transfer market.
📚 Table of contents
A constantly growing market
The private security sector is experiencing sustained expansion in Switzerland. Increasing urbanisation, the multiplication of public events and growing surveillance needs are fuelling this demand.
Companies and institutions are investing more in protecting their infrastructure. The Swiss regulatory framework, stable and well-defined, offers legal security appreciated by investors.
This combination of organic growth and regulatory stability creates a favourable environment for business transfers in this sector.
Recurring contracts that reassure
The business model of security services is based on long-term recurring contracts. Site surveillance services, regular patrols or event security generate predictable revenues.
This turnover stability appeals to buyers. Financial visibility over several years considerably reduces investment risk.
A solid contract portfolio constitutes a tangible asset that facilitates valuation and accelerates negotiations during a transfer.
A diversified and loyal client base
Private security companies serve a varied clientele: industrial companies, shopping centres, public institutions, event organisers.
The client turnover rate remains low. Contracts often renew automatically, year after year. This loyalty reflects the critical nature of the services provided.
For the buyer, this diversification and stability increase the company's value. A balanced portfolio limits dependence on a single client and secures future revenues.
Barriers to entry that protect value
Creating a private security company requires specific cantonal authorisations. Personnel must undergo mandatory training and obtain certifications.
These regulatory requirements naturally limit competition. Established companies benefit from structural protection of their market position.
During a transfer, these barriers increase the company's attractiveness. The buyer avoids the delays and administrative complexities of starting up, whilst inheriting a consolidated competitive position.
Qualified personnel already in place
Training security agents according to Article 22 LSPr requires time and resources. Recruiting and certifying personnel represents a considerable investment.
Taking over a security services company means inheriting an immediately operational team. The agents are trained, certified and already know the sites and clients.
This human asset constitutes a decisive advantage. The buyer can maintain service quality from day one, without a risky transition period or loss of recurring contracts.
Clear and objective valuation
The valuation of a private security company is based on tangible criteria: EBITDA multiple, quality of the contract portfolio, renewal rate, personnel skills.
Unlike other sectors where valuation remains subjective, the metrics here are precise and verifiable. This transparency facilitates negotiations and reduces valuation gaps.
To estimate your company's value, the Leez valuation tool offers an initial estimate based on these sector-specific criteria.
What buyers are looking for
Buyers interested in this sector have varied profiles: entrepreneurs wishing to expand, investors seeking stable revenues, executives in career transition with experience in management or security.
Their priority criteria: revenue stability, quality of contracts, established reputation, team in place. The private security sector ticks all these boxes.
On Leez, sellers benefit from visibility amongst these qualified buyers, thus accelerating the transfer process.
Private security companies combine multiple advantages: a growing market, recurring contracts, a diversified client base and barriers to entry that protect their value. These elements reassure buyers and facilitate an objective valuation based on predictable revenues.
The qualified personnel already in place and the authorisations obtained enable a rapid takeover, without a complex transition period. Buyers are looking precisely for this operational stability and immediate development potential.
Are you considering selling your private security company? Demand is strong and qualified buyers are numerous. Give your company visibility by publishing it on Leez. You can also estimate its value free of charge to prepare your transfer under the best conditions. If you are a buyer, consult the available companies and identify opportunities that match your criteria.
