Netwatch Agrees to Be Acquired by GI Partners

Netwatch, a global provider of AI-enabled security services, has signed a definitive agreement to be acquired by private investment firm GI Partners.

Under the terms of the agreement, Netwatch will become part of GI Partners’ portfolio but continue operating as an independent company led by its current management, according to an announcement. The transaction, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026.

Ownership history and industry consolidation

Netwatch has a history of private equity activity and industry consolidation. In 2018, Netwatch was part of a merger backed by private equity firm The Riverside Company that combined the Ireland-based remote visual monitoring provider with three U.S. monitoring firms including National Monitoring Center (NMC), CalAtlantic and Onwatch Multifire to form a new global entity called Netwatch Group.

At that time the combined company reportedly monitored 300,000 customer sites across four continents. The merged group was said to be positioned as a way to bring proactive visual monitoring technology to a broader dealer and end-user base. The GI Partners acquisition announcement did not reference NMC or any other entities that have operated under the Netwatch Group umbrella.

In a separate statement announcing its exit, The Riverside Company said Netwatch has built its position around proactive video monitoring and remote security intervention services, citing increased demand as customers look to supplement traditional security solutions. Riverside said the company’s technology-driven approach to site protection, risk mitigation and workplace safety, combined with its management team proprietary platform and customer service focus, has established a foundation for continued development.

The Riverside Company has also agreed to divest its CertaSite commercial fire protection and life safety platform, which is set to be acquired by APi Group in a transaction expected to close in the first quarter of 2026.

Business scope and market reach

Netwatch serves customers across a range of industries including automotive retail banking manufacturing construction and infrastructure. The company’s security services are designed to provide proactive protection through technology-driven approaches to site protection risk mitigation and workplace safety. Netwatch currently protects more than 330,000 sites worldwide, according to the announcement.

Mark Prybutok, managing director and head of data infrastructure at GI Partners, stated the firm plans to support Netwatch’s growth with strategic capital investment and further development of its AI technology.

Kurt Takahashi, Netwatch’s CEO, said the company will leverage GI Partners’ expertise to enhance its AI operations and go-to-market efforts.

"We look forward to partnering on our mission to be the global leader in intelligent security monitoring and intervention services," Takahashi stated.

GI Partners’ existing portfolio includes several companies with security, safety and risk-related technology focus areas, primarily on the cybersecurity, digital identity and infrastructure side of the market. These include Sectigo, a provider of digital certificate lifecycle management and identity security solutions, and BusPatrol, which develops stop-arm safety technology for school buses. GI Partners’ broader portfolio also spans data infrastructure and software companies, though it does not currently list other physical security monitoring providers comparable to Netwatch.

Stifel served as exclusive financial advisor to GI Partners and Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison LLP acted as legal counsel for the transaction. Raymond James acted as exclusive financial advisor to The Riverside Company and Netwatch, and Jones Day and Matheson served as legal counsel.