Press Release 17 November 2021

Mitie strengthens security intelligence offering with acquisition of Esoteric Limited

  • Mitie has acquired Esoteric Limited, a small, niche provider of leading counter espionage and specialist surveillance countermeasure services
  • The acquisition builds on Mitie’s risk analysis and intelligence capabilities; its industry-leading technology; and presence of Security Operatives
  • The acquisition of Esoteric will enhance Mitie’s position as the UK’s largest provider of security services to businesses

Mitie is strengthening its security intelligence offering with the acquisition of Esoteric Limited, a leading provider of specialist counter espionage services. The Esoteric security team will be integrated into Mitie Security, building on its existing risk assurance and consultancy offering.

With a foundation in Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM), Esoteric specialises in proactively protecting sensitive information, assets and conversations from any threats, attacks or espionage activity. Services provided by Esoteric include bug sweeping and detection, counter surveillance, and the identification of potential vulnerabilities to develop threat mitigation plans. The business also offers expertise in collecting evidence, allowing organisations to take any necessary action against theft, fraud, or espionage.

Esoteric is the only UK company to be accredited by the National Security Inspectorate for both electronic sweeping and covert investigations and its current customer base includes blue chip companies, government bodies and individuals from around the world.

The acquisition builds on Mitie’s existing capabilities as the UK’s leading provider of technology and intelligence-led security services and will enhance its current offering in this area. Following the acquisition Mitie will be integrating Esoteric’s services with Mitie’s bespoke Merlin 24/7 software, enabling remote monitoring of security risks and sharing of real time insights and intelligence with its workforce on the ground.

Esoteric Limited’s founder, Emma Shaw, will join Mitie Security and lead its approach to intelligence security operations.

“We are delighted to welcome Esoteric into the Mitie Security family. In a changing world, the methods and technology used by adversaries are constantly evolving. Businesses cannot be complacent if they are to stay one step ahead.

By combining Mitie’s industry-leading technology, our existing team of analysts and intelligence specialists, and the thousands of Security Operatives we employ at sites, with Esoteric’s counter surveillance expertise, we can offer our clients a truly comprehensive security service that protects against emerging threats.”

Jason Towse, Managing Director, Business Services, Mitie

“We are excited by this acquisition and the opportunities to lead the intelligence security operations and enhance Esoteric Ltd services to clients across the Mitie portfolio.”

Emma Shaw, Managing Director, Esoteric Ltd

Notes to editors

About Mitie

Founded in 1987, Mitie’s job is to look after places where Britain works and is the leading facilities management company in the UK. We offer a range of services to Central Government and Defence customers; Communities (Healthcare, Education and Local Authorities); and Technical Services (Engineering Services, Energy, Water and Real Estate Services) and Business Services (Security, Cleaning and Office Services) to Private Sector clients in Financial Services, Manufacturing, Transport, Retail and Telecoms and increasingly to the public sector. Finally, our Specialist Services (Care & Custody, Landscapes and Waste Management) division serves both the public and private sector in these niche businesses.

Mitie acquired Interserve’s FM business in December 2020 and now employs 75,000 people we are the champion of the ‘Front-Line Heroes’ who have kept Britain working during the COVID-19 pandemic. We take care of our customers’ people and buildings, through the ‘Science of Service’, delivering essential services and deploying industry leading technology to create safe and effective workspaces.

The business continues to execute its technology-led strategy and in the past six months has received multiple awards.

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