The acquisition, which comes into effect today (15 December 2011), enables Cardinal to further develop its full service market offering in the loss prevention and security arena.
Jason Trigg, CEO of The Cardinal Group, has hailed the agreement as a “milestone” in the company’s eight year-history:
“We’re delighted to have completed the acquisition of ORIS,” Trigg told SMT Online. “The company has a fantastic reputation in the industry and a great portfolio of products, services and clients. The transaction is a highly strategic move for us that will open up a world of possibilities for both existing and future clients.”
Existing ORIS products, services and solutions will now be introduced to the Cardinal portfolio. ORIS systems will form part of the Cardinal Integrated Solutions division of the business, enhancing the company’s offering and further developing the end-to-end modular enterprise solution. This will include incident, investigation and case management through to audit, Health and Safety and asset modules.
Trigg added: “This means our clients will be able to build complete ‘resource-to-risk’ strategies and gain a full understanding of the impact of ‘total loss’ [losses through theft and process errors in addition to lost sales opportunities resulting from poor customer service and merchandising] in these challenging economic times.”
Adding real value for retailers
Also commenting on the deal that has been struck, Kerinda Ibbotson (the managing director of ORIS) explained: “We’re very excited to become part of Cardinal. The company has a great reputation in the marketplace and a portfolio of products which add real value to retailers who are looking to reduce total loss in their businesses.”
Ibbotson stressed that existing ORIS employees are being retained while Cardinal’s product and people offer is “strengthened as a result of combining the two businesses’ personnel, technology and methodologies”.
After seven years with ORIS – most recently in the role of chairman – Laurence King will not be joining the Cardinal Group. “We would like to thank Laurence and wish him all the best for the future,” said Ibbotson.
Anne Davies will continue to work in her capacity as associate consultant.
Key facts concerning ORIS and Cardinal
Formed in 2003, Cardinal employs more than 1,500 head office and store security personnel and boasts an impressive customer portfolio.
The business is comprised of divisions focusing on security systems and personnel (Cardinal Security), risk and loss prevention software (Cardinal Integrated Solutions), ‘next generation’ electronic security solutions (including Internet Protocol cameras and video analytics) through to multimedia and consumer experience technology (C-instore), training (WZ-UK) and a confidential whistle-blowing hotline (Disclose).
For its part, ORIS is a leading UK loss prevention and retail efficiency specialist. The company provides software, consultancy and learning solutions for the retail sector, helping retailers maximise profits, engage their people and streamline their processes.
The company’s not-for-profit Retail Loss Prevention Forums will continue to operate under the ORIS banner.
