Publications
Publications
- February 2000 (Revised April 2005)
- HBS Case Collection
Gray Security: Building a South African Services Firm
Abstract
Describes Gray Security Services, an entrepreneurial South African firm that has recently gone through a financial restructuring with the help of Brait Capital Partners, a private equity firm. Gray provides complete security services to companies in South Africa, other African countries, and some parts of Europe. Many of Gray's clients are multinational firms. Gray is currently considering an IPO in South Africa as well as further international expansion. At this point, Dick Aubin, cofounder and chairman of the firm, faces a number of important questions regarding the firm's financing and directions for future growth. Offers an opportunity to analyze the private equity investment by Brait and the prospects of an IPO in South Africa. Also allows for a discussion about strategic choices regarding international expansion by a South African firm during a time of change in South Africa.
Keywords
Initial Public Offering; Entrepreneurship; Equity; Growth and Development Strategy; Service Industry; South Africa
Citation
Kuemmerle, Walter, William J. Coughlin Jr., and Chad S Ellis. "Gray Security: Building a South African Services Firm." Harvard Business School Case 800-193, February 2000. (Revised April 2005.)