Kapil takes stake in e-security company

Celebrity cricketer, Kapil Dev has picked up a five per cent stake in the security company "" Zicom Electronic Security Systems Ltd (ZESSL).

Kapil being a national icon, was roped in to enhance visibility of the company all through the country.

"He would not be a brand ambassador for the company but would help in creating awareness for the products and services being offered by ZESSL," explained Pramod Rao, managing director, ZESSL.

ZESSL claims to be the number one electronic security solution company with a 20 per cent market share in a crowded market that is populated by players like Siemens, Tata Honeywell, Thomson Controls and Tyco.

"The organised market for electronic security system was calculated at Rs 500 crore which is expected to grow to Rs 1000 crore by 2007 and at ZESSL we hope to retain a 20 per cent share at least in the next couple of years," he added.

In a parallel development as a part of plan to venture overseas, ZESSL is also looking at the possibility of offering business process outsourcing service for security firms in the US.

"Given the time difference it would be very suitable for us to offer the monitoring part of the service from India while physical manning would have to be done by the resident companies in the US," he explained.

ZESSL has also very recently tied up with multi billion dollar conglomerate Bin Jaber Group Ltd and signed a strategic alliance for setting up a new entity with equity participation from both the companies at Abu Dhabi.

This company will cater to the growing safety and security market in the Gulf region.

"The new entity will leverage each others unique strength and according to the agreement Zicon will be responsible for operation management, implementation, delivery and servicing safety and security systems. While Bin Jaber Group would be responsible for administration and relationship management," he explained.

ZESSL has also launched a security service for the home segment that would be as cheap as Rs 770 per months for monitoring homes through out the day.

"We would be fitting small gadgets at these homes which would send our central station, signals when there is an activity," explained Brian D'Souza, director strategic, alliance and special projects.

The company is also banking heavily on banks, government departments and the defence sector.