The companies (ASC NV and ASC Safety Services BVBA) provide services including: expert fire and safety personnel; health and safety training; and the rental, sale and maintenance of safety equipment to Belgian businesses and industry.

This acquisition will enable G4S Belgium to diversify and broaden its reach into the higher growth and higher margin niche safety market, supporting the company’s ambitious growth ambitions. Growth in the traditional security market in Belgium is limited due to mature market conditions.

G4S Secure Solutions NV in Belgium is paying approximately £2.975m (3.7m euros) in cash to ASC-Group’s owners Haann BVBA, Mr Hans Buitendijk and Ms Ann Van Durme for 100% of the two acquired businesses.

The ASC-Group was founded in 1994 by its current CEO, Mr Hans Buitendijk and has since become the second largest company in Belgium in the area of fire and safety.

Jean-Paul Van Avermaet, CEO, G4S Belgium and G4S Luxembourg, said: “The acquisitions support our plans to expand our security offering with fire, health and safety services, and training solutions sectors and further underlines the Group’s vision to become the recognised global leader for security solutions.”