WASHINGTON, 7 March 2005. Global Secure Corp., a homeland security company providing integrated products and services for critical incident responders around the world, today announces the acquisition of Virtual Alert, Inc., a provider of critical information systems that enable state, local and federal governments to prepare, track and respond to public health emergencies.
The acquisition was completed for $20 million in cash and stock.
The acquisition of Virtual Alert completes a key element in Global Secure's integration strategy, adding a robust tool for critical incident coordination and communication. Virtual Alert, with offices in California, Texas and Virginia, has 16 states, the District of Columbia, and San Diego as clients. The company's products and services provide protection and security for over 100 million people, nearly 40 percent of the nation's population.
Eric Shaffer, president of Virtual Alert, commented, "Global Secure's focus on the state and local government market, its nationwide distribution channels, its training capabilities, and its operational infrastructure will enable Virtual Alert to accelerate its already rapid expansion, improve service to its customers and enhance its penetration of state and local government markets."
Craig Bandes, president and CEO of Global Secure commented, "The product suite of Virtual Alert plays an essential role in protecting Americans in the event of a terrorist attack or epidemiological emergency by efficiently enabling the public health community to capture and share critical information. Virtual Alert is the leader in this field and is a tremendous enhancement to Global Secure's homeland security products and services. Improving the ability of state and local governments to communicate with critical incident responders is essential to effective crisis management and recovery."
Virtual Alert, headquartered in Sacramento, Calif., was founded in 2001 by Dan Desmond, Eric Shaffer and Chris Popov, and is a leading developer of software and solutions that integrate public health and safety systems. Virtual Alert's offerings include collaboration and multi media alert system; a volunteer management system; hospital capacity tracking system and public health and first responder exercises.
Virtual Alert also provides services for BioWatch, a program under the Science and Technology Directorate of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. BioWatch enables public health agencies to warn first responders and citizens about the presence of biological agents.
Mr. Bandes underscored the role Virtual Alert would play in enhancing Global Secure's effort to improve state and local governments' ability to support The National Response Plan developed by the Department of Homeland Security. This plan establishes a comprehensive all-hazards approach to the management of domestic incidences and forms the basis of how the federal government coordinates with state, local, and tribal governments and the private sector during incidents.
Global Secure's mission is to secure the homeland by providing integrated products and services to critical incident responders worldwide, focusing on prevention, preparedness, response and recovery. The strategy is in alignment with the Department of Homeland Security's National Response Plan. (The Department of Homeland Security has identified an $8.5 billion dollar budget for 2005E for emergency preparedness and response, science and technology and state and local government coordination).
Global Secure manufactures advanced SCBAs and respirators and provides WMD, HAZMAT, OSHA, DOT and EPA approved training. Global Secure's advisory board includes influential leaders from the fields of security, government and defense, including Mark Holman, Admiral Stansfield Turner, Howard Safir and former House Majority Leader Dick Armey. Global Secure is a Sky Capital Enterprises portfolio company. For more information, see www.globalsecurecorp.com.
