Hamilton Sells Rock Steady

Mark Hamilton has sold his Edinburgh-based crowd management and security companies to G4S plc.

The deal, which was announced just before press time, sees the "international security solutions group" acquire the Rock Steady Group of companies for an undisclosed sum. The Rock Steady Group includes Rock Steady Security, Rock Steady Event Services, Avant-Guard Resource Services and Rock Steady Sports Events Services.

Rock Steady, which is said to have gross assets of £5.3 million (US$10.5 million) has an annual turnover of more than £12 million.

The deal enables G4S to expand its events business and get a foothold in the live music and sports stadium areas, plus coverage in the north of England and Scotland.

Hamilton’s companies, which he founded 28 years ago and runs with his fellow shareholders, have specialized in stewarding and crowd management for live music and sport stadium events.

They provide security services for a number of high-profile customers including Glasgow Rangers Football Club, the Scottish Rugby Union, Sheffield Arena and Lancashire County Cricket Club.

It also provides security for pubs and clubs as well as stewarding for sports events and concerts. Hamilton headed up security for 2005’s Live 8 events.