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Foundation of the Group
GEOS was established in 1997 for two reasons: on the one hand there was the growing exposure of companies to political and criminal risk, and, on the other, there was a lack of resources available to mitigate these risks. The responsibilities of the State only partially covered the threats observed, and at that time there were only Anglo-American firms specialized in providing an effective response to corporate security requirements.
Given that situation, the objective of GEOS was to provide an alternative solution to these security-related risks.
Initial skill-sets
As of 1997, GEOS centred its development around the provision of close cover protection services to VIPs (corporate directors, private clients) and security audits in Algeria, a country well-known to the first staff members of GEOS. Very quickly, GEOS diversified these services and began providing security assistance to French corporations in other international markets. In 1998, GEOS turnover stood at 366,000€.
Towards a global package of services2000 saw the consolidation and diversification of GEOS activities, as well as the extension of its zones of expertise to Central Africa, East Africa, South-East Asia and South America. In addition to its activities abroad, GEOS set up GEOS FRANCE, a dedicated subsidiary for security services on the European continent. That same year, GEOS restructured itself as a corporation and turnover reached 2,745,000 €.
2004-2005 : The GEOS Group continued to expand and opens its capital.
In 2004, GEOS posted one of the best performances in the French security market with turnover of 15.6 million euros confirming its position as leader in continental Europe.
That same year GEOS opened 34 % of its capital to CONTINENTAL RISK. This partnership complied fully with the demands of the founders of GEOS: ensuring the independence of the Group and a fully integrated approach to global risk management.
2008 - 2010: Change in shareholding and reinforced corporate governance.
2008: Long-term investors, the Halisol and Participex Groups, entered the capital of GEOS, alongside Continental Risk. 2010 : As part of an ambitious expansion plan, the shareholders decided to transform GEOS SAS into a company managed by a Board of Directors and a Supervisory Board (Directoire and Comité de Surveillance).
Expansion of services and reinforcement of the Group's presence in international markets GEOS continued its expansion into new territories and strengthened its local operational capabilities, setting up subsidiaries and branches in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Venezuela, Mexico, Nigeria and Iraq. The Group also developed its range of services to international institutions (NATO, UNO, European Commission, governments) through a dedicated subsidiary in Brussels, and responded to new demands from clients (Technical Assistance, HSE). January 2011 : The Halisol Group reiterated its desire to act as longtime investor in the development of the GEOS Group and became the majority shareholder.
GEOS in 2010 :
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General Jean Heinrich,
President
of the Management Board
Laurent LAFOND,
President of the Supervisory Board
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