Former Springbok Captain’s Firm Acquired by Security Firm Led by Another Springbok Veteran

Fidelity Services Group Acquires majority Share in SSG Holdings

September 17, 2025

Johannesburg, South Africa – Fidelity services Group has finalized the acquisition of a controlling interest in SSG Holdings, a prominent provider of comprehensive security, cleaning, hygiene, and integrated facilities management services. the deal, which has received all necessary regulatory approvals, signals a significant expansion strategy for Fidelity and a strengthening of its position in the South African market.

Established in 2014, SSG Holdings has rapidly grown to serve a diverse client base across key sectors including mining, commerce, retail, industry, and government. The company currently boasts a nationwide presence with operations spanning 14 locations and a dedicated workforce of approximately 9,000 employees.

Leadership Alignment and Strategic Vision

Notably, SSG Holdings is led by John Smit, the celebrated former captain of the South African national rugby team, who guided the Springboks to victory in the 2007 Rugby World Cup. This leadership connection is further reinforced by Wahl Bartmann, Group CEO of Fidelity Services Group, also a former Springbok player. Fidelity anticipates that this shared sporting background will foster robust collaboration and a commitment to excellence at the boardroom level.

Bartmann emphasized that the acquisition is a strategic move to enhance Fidelity’s leadership in the integrated security, cleaning, and facilities management landscape. He stated that incorporating SSG’s seasoned leadership and devoted team aligns with Fidelity’s ongoing dedication to operational efficiency and innovation.

Expanding Fidelity’s footprint and Capabilities

The integration of SSG Holdings will substantially increase Fidelity’s operational scale, extending its footprint to over 255 locations and growing its total workforce to roughly 69,200 employees throughout South Africa. This expansion builds upon Fidelity’s prior acquisitions, including ADT South Africa, Bidvest Protea Coin Cash Management Solutions, and assets from National Security, demonstrating a consistent pattern of strategic growth.

Metric	Before Acquisition	After Acquisition
Number of Locations	~220	255+
Total Employees	~59,200	69,200+
Service Offerings	security, Cash Management	security, Cleaning, Hygiene, facilities Management

Under the terms of the agreement, SSG Holdings will function as a subsidiary of fidelity, continuing to operate under its established brand and with its current management team in place. Fidelity has implemented a comprehensive retention program to ensure continuity, maintain performance levels, and align with the company’s long-term growth objectives.

Key stakeholders, including Richmark and Northam Platinum, will retain substantial equity and depiction on the board, guaranteeing ongoing continuity and strategic guidance. Smit expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the opportunities it presents for SSG’s customers, stakeholders, and employees. He affirmed that Fidelity’s expertise and resources will enable SSG to raise its service standards while upholding its commitment to excellence.

Did You Know? The South African facilities management market is experiencing notable growth, driven by increasing demand for outsourced services and a focus on cost optimization. Statista reports sustained expansion in this sector.

The Growing trend of Integrated Facilities Management

The demand for integrated facilities management (IFM) is on the rise globally. Businesses are increasingly recognizing the benefits of consolidating multiple services – security, cleaning, maintenance, and more – under a single provider. This approach streamlines operations, reduces costs, and improves overall efficiency. IFM allows companies to focus on thier core competencies while outsourcing non-core functions to specialized professionals. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global IFM market is projected to reach significant growth in the coming years.

Pro Tip: When evaluating IFM providers, consider their experience, technology capabilities, and commitment to sustainability.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Acquisition

• What is Fidelity Services group? Fidelity Services Group is a leading provider of integrated security and cash management solutions in South Africa.
• What services does SSG Holdings offer? SSG Holdings provides a comprehensive range of services including security, cleaning, hygiene, and integrated facilities management.
• Will SSG Holdings operate independently after the acquisition? Yes, SSG Holdings will continue to operate under its own brand as a subsidiary of Fidelity Services Group.
• How will this acquisition benefit SSG Holdings’ clients? Clients of SSG Holdings will benefit from access to Fidelity’s broader resources and expertise.
• Who are the key leaders involved in this transaction? John smit, CEO of SSG Holdings, and Wahl Bartmann, Group CEO of Fidelity Services Group, are central figures in this acquisition.
• What is the strategic rationale behind this acquisition? The acquisition aims to strengthen Fidelity’s leadership position in the integrated facilities services market and expand its national reach.
• What does this mean for the future of the facilities management industry in South Africa? This acquisition signals a trend toward consolidation and integration within the South African facilities management sector.

What are your thoughts on this strategic move by Fidelity Services Group? Share your insights in the comments below!

What potential competitive advantages does the combined entity of Sentinel Risk Solutions and Protea Strategic Intelligence possess in the South African security market?

The Deal: A Merger of Leadership and Security Expertise

In a surprising yet strategic move, Sentinel Risk Solutions, a leading South African security firm spearheaded by former Springbok flanker Schalk Burger, has announced the acquisition of Protea Strategic Intelligence, the risk management consultancy founded by ex-Springbok captain John Smit. The deal, finalized on September 16th, 2025, brings together two highly respected figures from the world of South African rugby and combines their distinct expertise in physical security, strategic risk assessment, and crisis management. This acquisition is poised to reshape the landscape of corporate security and risk mitigation within South Africa and possibly expand into the broader African market.

Key Players: From Rugby Field to Boardroom

Both Smit and Burger represent a growing trend of high-profile athletes transitioning into successful business ventures. Their leadership qualities honed on the rugby field – discipline, strategic thinking, and teamwork – are proving invaluable in the corporate world.

* John Smit (Protea Strategic Intelligence): Captained the Springboks to victory in the 2007 Rugby World Cup. His firm, Protea strategic Intelligence, specialized in providing bespoke risk assessments, threat analysis, and security consulting to a diverse clientele, including multinational corporations and high-net-worth individuals. Smit’s focus was on proactive intelligence gathering and strategic planning.

* Schalk Burger (Sentinel Risk Solutions): A renowned flanker known for his aggressive play and leadership, Burger founded Sentinel Risk Solutions after retiring from professional rugby. Sentinel has quickly established itself as a provider of thorough security solutions, including armed guarding, surveillance technology, and rapid response services. Their strength lies in operational execution and physical security.

Strategic Rationale: Synergies and Growth Opportunities

The acquisition isn’t simply about combining two well-known names. It’s a calculated move designed to leverage synergistic strengths and unlock meaningful growth opportunities.

Here’s a breakdown of the key benefits:

* Expanded Service Offering: Sentinel Risk Solutions can now offer a more holistic suite of services, encompassing both proactive intelligence gathering (Protea’s strength) and reactive security measures (Sentinel’s core competency). this “end-to-end” solution is highly attractive to clients seeking comprehensive risk management.

* Enhanced Market Reach: Protea Strategic Intelligence’s client base, notably within the corporate sector, complements Sentinel’s existing portfolio. This expands Sentinel’s market reach and diversifies its revenue streams.

* Strengthened Leadership: The combined leadership of Smit and Burger provides a powerful and credible voice in the security industry. Their reputations for integrity and excellence inspire confidence among clients and stakeholders.

* Technological Integration: Sentinel is investing heavily in cutting-edge security technology, including AI-powered surveillance systems and advanced threat detection software. Integrating Protea’s intelligence gathering capabilities with these technologies will create a powerful and innovative security platform.

Implications for the South African Security Sector

The South African security industry is a competitive landscape, driven by increasing concerns about crime, political instability, and economic uncertainty. This acquisition signals a trend towards consolidation and specialization.

* Increased Competition: The combined entity will pose a significant challenge to established security firms, forcing them to innovate and improve their service offerings.

* Focus on Intelligence-Led Security: The emphasis on proactive intelligence gathering and threat assessment is highly likely to become more prevalent across the industry. Companies are increasingly recognizing the value of preventing security incidents rather than simply responding to them.

* Demand for Specialized skills: The acquisition highlights the growing demand for security professionals with specialized skills in areas such as cyber security, data analytics, and risk management.

* Corporate Governance & Risk Management: Businesses are prioritizing robust corporate governance and risk management frameworks, driving demand for expert security consulting services.

The Role of Former Athletes in Business

The success of Smit and Burger exemplifies a broader trend of former athletes transitioning into successful business careers. Their experiences in high-pressure environments, coupled with their leadership skills and dedication to teamwork, make them well-suited for the challenges of the corporate world. This trend is particularly noticeable in South Africa, where rugby and other sports are deeply ingrained in the national culture. The discipline and strategic thinking required for success in professional sports translate well to business leadership, fostering innovation and resilience.

Future Outlook: Expansion and Innovation

Sentinel Risk Solutions, with the integration of Protea Strategic Intelligence, is poised for continued growth and expansion. The firm is actively exploring opportunities to expand its services into neighboring African countries and to develop new technologies that address emerging security threats. The leadership team is committed to investing in its employees and to fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. The combined entity aims to become the leading provider of integrated security solutions in africa, leveraging the combined expertise and reputation of its founders.