Sunstates Security buys TorchStone Global to expand into advisory and executive protection

Sunstates Security has acquired TorchStone Global, a risk mitigation firm based near Nashville, Tennessee, in a move that expands Sunstates beyond contract guarding into intelligence-led advisory and executive protection services. TorchStone will keep its brand and leadership as the combined companies look to cross-sell services to shared clients.

Why it matters: - The deal gives Sunstates Security a faster path into higher-touch security services, including protective intelligence, threat analysis and executive protection. - The acquisition broadens Sunstates beyond contract guarding and could deepen its work with corporate clients, families and high-profile individuals. - TorchStone Global gains the backing of a larger security provider while keeping its operating model intact.

What happened: - Sunstates Security acquired TorchStone Global on Aug. 5, 2026. - The companies said TorchStone will continue to operate under its own name and brand. - Frank Rodman, TorchStone's CEO and co-founder, will remain in place with the existing leadership team. - Denis Kelly, CEO of Sunstates Security, said the acquisition adds an intelligence-led advisory and executive protection practice to Sunstates' portfolio.

The details: - TorchStone, founded in 2010, specializes in risk management consulting, protective intelligence, threat analysis, security program management, executive protection and event security coordination. - TorchStone operates a proprietary Global Security Operations Center near Nashville, Tennessee. - The company provides 24/7 threat monitoring and protective intelligence. - TorchStone delivers executive protection services in more than 100 countries. - More than 150 corporations, 100 families, 15 non-profits and faith-based organizations, and four professional sports leagues have used TorchStone's services. - TorchStone's employees work across more than 20 metropolitan areas in six countries. - Entrepreneur magazine named TorchStone one of its "360 Best Entrepreneurial Companies in America." - Sunstates, founded in 1998 and headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, has more than 7,500 employees. - Sunstates says it has more than 600 training courses, a quality assurance program and a 93% client satisfaction rate. - Sunstates has received three Forbes Best Employers awards for 2026, recognition as a TIME Best Private Company, three consecutive Training Magazine MVP Awards and four straight appearances on the Inc. 5000 list. - The article included Sunstates social media links for LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and X.

Between the lines: - The acquisition suggests Sunstates is trying to move up the value chain from guarding to advisory services where margins and client relationships may be stronger. - Keeping TorchStone independent signals Sunstates wants the brand and expertise to stay intact rather than fold it into a larger operation. - The companies also appear to be aiming for reciprocal referrals, with Sunstates clients routed to TorchStone for advisory and executive protection needs and TorchStone clients pointed to Sunstates for guarding.

What's next: - The combined organization will look for shared-client opportunities across both businesses. - Sunstates corporate clients may be directed to TorchStone for advisory and executive protection needs where relevant. - TorchStone clients may be introduced to Sunstates' guarding services where those services fit. - Both brands are expected to keep operating independently in the market.

The bottom line: - Sunstates is buying expertise, not just a company, as it pushes into intelligence-led security services while leaving TorchStone's name and leadership unchanged.