The G4S Directors of G4S are unanimously recommending that G4S shareholders should accept the offer, and according to the statement released by the company, they have irrevocably undertaken to do so in respect of their own G4S Shares, which represent approximately 0.21 per cent of the total shareholding.

The combination of Allied Universal and G4S will create a world-leading integrated security business with revenues of approximately US$18 billion, and a workforce of over 750,000 people, a strong international platform and an extensive portfolio of blue-chip clients across the public and private sectors.

Bringing together Allied Universal’s and G4S’s cutting-edge smart technology solutions and manned guarding businesses will create an Enlarged Group that is able to lead the industry  shift towards integrated security services and provide a global one-stop shop for customers.

Commenting on the Offer, Ashley Almanza, Chief Executive Officer of G4S said: "G4S has been transformed into a focused global leader in security services with market-leading solutions and a blue-chip customer base that is served by a dedicated and talented team of over 530,000 employees. The combination of G4S and Allied Universal creates the global leader in security with over 750,000 employees, industry leading capabilities and unrivalled market coverage. This unique and compelling combination will offer customers exceptional service and provides employees with an exciting future.”

Commenting on the Offer, John Connolly, Chairman of the G4S Board said: “Today, G4S is a global leader in security services. Under Ashley Almanza's leadership, the business has been fundamentally refocused and re-positioned to address long-term growth in security markets, with an unmatched market footprint, strong brand and industry-leading capabilities. The G4S Board is confident in the long-term prospects of the business and believes this offer represents an excellent opportunity to create a leading global security company, for shareholders to realise value for their investment at an attractive premium, while also ensuring the future success of G4S for employees, customers and other stakeholders. We are therefore unanimously recommending it to our shareholders.”

Commenting on the Offer, Steve Jones, President and Chief Executive of Allied Universal said: “We are delighted that our offer of 245 pence per share has been recommended by the G4S Board. Our businesses know each other well, we share a similar culture and values and I am excited about what the combination of Allied Universal and G4S can deliver. G4S has an excellent service offering, an enviable global customer portfolio and it is led by a highly experienced management team. We have been impressed by the recent transformation of G4S which alongside our successful acquisition track record, underpins our confidence of ensuring a seamless integration of the two businesses. Combined, we will have over 100 years of industry experience and a more extensive global network in terms of people, customers and capabilities.

Together, we will be in a stronger position to deliver enhanced value for all stakeholders and address customers’ evolving security needs in an increasingly volatile and fast-changing world.”