G4S PLC has acquired Danish outsourcing provider ISS for an enterprise value of approximately GBP5.2 billion ($8.2 billion), creating a global security and facilities services giant with combined sales of GBP16 billion.

G4S, one of the world's largest security services providers, said the tie-up with ISS has compelling strategic and financial rationale and allows the combined group to drive the top line in existing geographies and spur new growth in emerging markets like Africa and the Middle East. "We believe this acquisition will transform our business," G4S Chief Executive Nick Buckles said in a statement.