Pinkerton’s Acquires Bonafide Security Service

Pinkerton’s in Westlake Village has acquired Bonafide Security Service of Santa Ana.

Bonafide provides uniformed security officers and patrol and alarm-response services primarily to gated communities of luxury homes throughout Orange County, as well as commercial facilities and office buildings.

“The acquisition of Bonafide will expand our presence in the gated community segment of the security market,” said Denis R. Brown, Pinkerton’s president and chief executive officer. “Pinkerton currently has a significant business providing security to private communities in Nevada, Florida and other states, and this addition will enhance our client base in Southern California.”

Bonafide, one of the largest security providers in Orange County, had estimated 1998 revenues of $3.5 million. William C. Bertsche, a former Ohio police officer, founded the company in 1970.

Pinkerton’s, which was founded in 1850, provides uniformed security officers, investigations, consulting, business intelligence, security-systems integration and employee selection and communications services. Its 1998 revenues exceeded $1 billion.