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ADT's authorised dealer programme introduced in South Africa

The ADT authorised dealer programme, one of the largest direct sales programmes in the world, has been introduced in South Africa by ADT Security Services, a newly established South African security presence.

Readers of Hi-Tech Security Solutions will be aware of the fact that UK-based ADT Fire & Security recently purchased Sentry Group for R627m. ADT, the UK's largest installer and provider of electronic security and fire protection systems, with sales of over $500m (R4 bn) in the last financial year, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of US-listed Tyco International, the world's largest electronic security services company. Tyco operates in over 100 countries and had sales of $28,9 bn (R240 bn) in the 2000 financial year.

Events have moved quickly. Only a few weeks ago, Hi-Tech Security Solutions chatted briefly to Alex McNutt, the Managing Director of ADT Fire & Security (UK & Ireland) and Robin Hunt-Davis (who will be heading up the South African roll-out of ADT's authorised dealer programme in South Africa) about the implications of ADT's acquisition of the Sentry Group. And not three weeks later Robin and Beal Trahan, International Director of ADT's authorised dealer programme were on the road presenting details of ADT's ambitions in the local context.

And what ambitions they are. Hi-Tech Security Solutions is of the opinion that ADT authorised dealer programme, unlike anything seen in the industry to date, will provide opportunities for committed security companies to substantially grow their businesses in a sustainable fashion, the net effect of which will see the installed base of security solutions countrywide grow dramatically. As Trahan says, "Our dealer programme will grow the pie in South Africa. We have seen this happen all over the world. We know the model works."

(Left to right): Robin Hunt-Davis, Director: Business Development for ADT Security Services with Alex McNutt, Managing Director, ADT Fire & Security (UK & Ireland)

The ADT authorised dealer programme

From modest beginnings in the USA in 1993 the programme has spread across the globe, opening up in Canada in 1997, then Australia and New Zealand in 1998, then the UK in 1999. The programme is now worldwide and ranges from South Africa to Chile, from Singapore to Alaska, on every continent of the world.

For the sceptics, it would be useful to remember that as big as ADT itself is, it is a key element of Tyco International, one of the world's largest companies. Tyco itself is listed on the New York and London Stock Exchanges, generates revenues in excess of $28 bn, and operates in over 36 countries. This scale and presence affords ADT the wherewithal to fund its dealer programme.

Says Hunt Davis, "The ADT authorised dealer programme was designed so that both local partner companies and ADT can share mutually beneficial goals and objectives. The programme gives dealers the opportunity to work with the leader in the electronic security services industry whilst maintaining complete control over their own business."

Concluded Hunt Davis, "We are looking for a small number of direct sales organisations, who are recognised as being amongst the best in their particular markets, to add our products to their portfolio. This strategic partnership has already seen half of our dealers' turnover treble in their first six months."

For further details contact ADT Security Services on tel: 086 094 9900 or visit www.adtsecurityservices.co.za

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