Montreal, November 4, 2024 - CEIM and S.I.J. are particularly proud to highlight the significant transaction led, alongside a group of investors, by Mr. Stephan Crétier, Founder, Chairman, President and CEO of GardaWorld, which today values the company at
C$13.5 billion.
Founded in Montreal in 1995, GardaWorld was indeed awarded financial support by the Société d'Investissement Jeunesse Fund as early as 1996 (just one year after its inception), a fund that played a modest, yet determining role in the company's rise to global leader in the security industry.
The transaction, which also enables Mr. Crétier and senior management to hold approximately 70% in the company, marks the largest private buyout in Canadian history.
"I would like to pay tribute to Stephan Crétier's remarkable career as well as the exceptional role that he has played in this historic transaction,” said Hélène Desmarais, Chair of the Board of CEIM and S.I.J. "As an administrator of GardaWorld, I have witnessed first-hand the sheer talent, determination, leadership and strategic vision he has demonstrated, and which have been instrumental in turning the company into one of our country's greatest flagships - an outstanding role model and inspiration for all our entrepreneurs."
“We have been impressed by GardaWorld's growth potential and its ability to innovate in a sector that was destined for major change. Its international success confirms the importance of investing in visionary and passionate leaders, and represents an immense source of pride for us,” added Christian Perron, President and COO of CEIM and Vice-President of S.I.J.
"I am immensely proud of GardaWorld's journey and the team that has fueled our success from day one. This transaction underscores the strength of our vision and our commitment to innovation in the security industry, both in Canada and globally. CEIM and S.I.J. are key champions and accelerators of our homegrown entrepreneurial ecosystem. Their early support helped give GardaWorld the boost needed to grow into the multinational we are today, and their fearless backing of disruption and founder vision is essential to maintaining the place of Canadian, and specifically Quebec-based businesses on the world stage,” said Stephan Crétier, Founder, President and CEO of GardaWorld.
About GardaWorld:
GardaWorld is an entrepreneurial-driven corporation that builds global champions in security services, AI-enabled security technologies, integrated risk management and cash automation solutions, employing more than 132,000 highly skilled and dedicated professionals across the globe. Driven by a relentless entrepreneurial culture and core values of integrity, vigilance, trust and respect, GardaWorld’s global champions offer sophisticated, tailored security and technology solutions through high-touch partnerships and consistently superior service delivery. With a deep understanding that security is critical to the organizational resilience of business operations and the safety of communities, GardaWorld is committed to impeccable governance, professional care and the well-being of everyone. Thanks to a well-earned reputation, GardaWorld businesses are long-standing security partners of choice to some of the most prominent brands, influential individuals, Fortune 500 corporations and governments.
For more information, visit gardaworld.com.
About CEIM:
A true pioneer in Montreal's entrepreneurial ecosystem, CEIM plays a vital role in the
development of innovative technology companies and Quebec's economic growth. Located in the heart of Old Montreal, CEIM offers a full range of coaching and tailored services aimed at supporting entrepreneurs at every key stage of their business growth.
For more information, visit ceim.org/en.
About Société d'Investissement Jeunesse (S.I.J.) Fund:
Launched in 1986 by the Desmarais family and administered by CEIM, the Société d'Investissement Jeunesse (S.I.J.) Fund is designed to promote entrepreneurship among young people throughout Quebec, providing them with financial assistance so that they can launch, grow or further expand their companies. The Fund is aimed at young technology entrepreneurs aged 18 to 40, providing them with loans ranging from $50,000 to $200,000. To date, the Fund has financed over 460 companies, including BonLook, Habitation Laprise, Ludia, GardaWorld and Moment Factory.
For more information, visit sij.qc.ca/en/.