Constellis said today it has agreed to acquire Centerra Group from private-equity owner Alvarez & Marsal Capital, bringing together two companies with deep roots in security work.
Constellis, which has more than 8,000 employees, was established in 2012 and combined ACADEMI -- a follow-on company to Blackwater -- with other security contractors like Triple Canopy. Those companies were best known for battlefield work.
The 9,000-employee Centerra, which provides security for U.S. government sites, such as laboratories and space facilities, was formed in 2014 after Alvarez & Marsal bought G4S Government Solutions. The G4S business was the latest iteration of the company founded as Wackenhut Services.
The deal, the terms of which were not disclosed, is meant to expand Constellis' work in the United States with "well-funded customers with enduring requirements," the company said. The transaction is expected to close later this year.
"The acquisition of Centerra, a leading global government and critical infrastructure services company, will significantly enhance Constellis' U.S. domestic presence and strengthen its relationships with key customers, including the U.S. Department of Energy and the United Nations," Constellis said.
Both companies had previously made efforts to broaden their portfolios. Almost two years ago, for instance, Constellis added Olive Group to its organization to bolster its commercial work. Last year, Centerra acquired The Development Initiative, which focuses on landmine clearance, unexploded ordnance disposal and remote logistics.
