Fidelity Acquires Majority Stake in John Smit’s SSG Holdings

Fidelity Services Group, Southern Africa’s leading provider of integrated services and risk solutions, has successfully acquired a majority shareholding in SSG Holdings, following all requisite regulatory approvals.

This strategic transaction marks a significant milestone in Fidelity’s continued mission to deliver world-class integrated facilities services across the region.

This acquisition builds on Fidelity’s track record of strategic expansion, including previous high-profile acquisitions such as ADT South Africa from Tyco (now Johnson Controls International), Bidvest Protea Coin Cash Management Solutions from The Bidvest Group, and key assets from National Security (formerly Chubb Security). Each of these has significantly enhanced the company’s scale, profitability, and service capabilities.

Founded in 2014 by the late Jorge Ferreira, SSG has grown into a trusted partner to South Africa’s leading corporates, offering comprehensive security, cleaning and hygiene, and integrated facilities management solutions. Under the leadership of Group CEO and former Springbok captain John Smit, SSG operates across 14 locations nationwide with a dedicated workforce of nearly 9,000 employees.

The acquisition will expand Fidelity’s footprint to more than 256 locations and grow its workforce to approximately 69,200 employees across Southern Africa. This combination strengthens Fidelity’s position as a 100% South African-owned, majority black-owned, BBBEE Level One Contributor, further empowering the group to offer integrated, best-in-class services to business clients across multiple sectors.

“We are exceptionally proud to announce the acquisition of SSG,” said Wahl Bartmann, Group CEO of Fidelity. “This deal strengthens Fidelity’s leadership in commercial integrated security, cleaning, and facilities management. Welcoming SSG’s experienced leadership and committed team to the Fidelity family is completely aligned with our continued focus on operational excellence and innovation.”

Under the terms of the agreement, SSG will become a subsidiary of Fidelity, continuing to operate under its own brand and existing leadership team. Key shareholders, including Richmark and Northam Platinum, will retain a significant equity stake and board representation, ensuring continuity and strategic input. Importantly, SSG’s high standards of service delivery and client engagement will remain unchanged.

“As a proudly South African company, SSG is extremely excited about the opportunities this partnership presents to our customers, stakeholders, and employees,” said John Smit, CEO of SSG.

Smit, who played a hooker, captained the Springboks to the Rugby World Cup in 2007 in France when they beat England.

“Fidelity’s diverse expertise and deep resources will allow us to elevate our services even further—while remaining true to our commitment to service excellence. We are immensely proud of what the SSG team has built and confident that this partnership provides the right foundation for our future growth,” he added.

A comprehensive management retention programme forms part of the transaction, aimed at ensuring continuity, performance, and alignment with Fidelity’s long-term growth objectives.

This partnership also brings together two iconic Springboks—Wahl Bartmann and John Smit—in a boardroom collaboration that reflects the same leadership and commitment they once displayed on the field.