Damian Marsh

Rapid changes in the physical security market this year have largely overshadowed one arena where change has slowed down in 2017 – mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Although there were no “mega-mergers” as in years past (such as Axis-Canon and Johnson Controls-Tyco, M&A activity still made headlines last year on SourceSecurity.com. In 2017, we wrote about M&A news involving companies such as HID Global, Eagle Eye Networks, ADT, and Honeywell.    Here’s a look at the Top 10 M&A stories in 2016, as reported by SourceSecurity.com: 1. HID Global Acquires Mercury Security HID Global, a subsidiary of ASSA ABLOY specialising in trusted identity solutions, agreed in 2017 to acquire Mercury Security, an OEM supplier of controllers for physical access control. Mercury Security has over three million controllers installed at tens of thousands of sites worldwide, including at more than 90 of the Fortune 100 companies. Mercury’s intelligent controllers, interface boards and software complement HID Global’s readers, smart cards and mobile IDs for opening doors.  2. ASSA ABLOY Acquires August Home Smart Locks ASSA ABLOY signed an agreement to acquire August Home, a leading smart lock business in the United States, reinforcing the company’s position in the residential smart door market. The acquisition includes expansion into complementary smart locks, video doorbells and comprehensive solutions for home delivery. August was founded in 2013. It is headquartered in San Francisco, California. 3. Eagle Eye Networks Buys Panasonic CameraManager One of the largest companies in the cloud video sector, Eagle Eye Networks, aggressively expanded its offerings to the fast-growing market, and its geographic reach, with acquisition this year of Panasonic’s cloud-based video business, including the CameraManager and NuboCam brands. The acquisition expands Eagle Eye Networks’ coverage in the European region, where the CameraManager system is popular, and will include two additional data centres, to be added to EagleEye Network’s existing global network of seven data centres. The acquisition also includes existing CameraManager coverage in Latin America and Asia. 4. dormakaba Acquires Stanley Black & Decker’s Mechanical Security Stanley Black & Decker agreed to sell the majority of its Mechanical Security businesses to dormakaba for $725 million in cash. The sale included the commercial hardware brands of BEST Access, phi Precision and GMT. The remaining part of the Mechanical Security businesses, Sargent and Greenleaf, was not included in the sale. 5. ADT Acquisitions Include Cybersecurity Firm ADT, provider of security and automation solutions for homes and businesses in North America, announced the acquisition of DATASHIELD, one of the country’s fastest growing cybersecurity companies. Now operating under the brand ADT Cybersecurity, this service is positioned to provide Enterprise and Mid-Market businesses with Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services to combat advanced cyber threats in real time. The acquisition in November closed out a busy year for ADT on the M&A front, including acquisition of commercial security systems integrators Protec in the Pacific Northwest, Gaston Security in Emporia, Va., and MSE Corporate Security in Branchburg, N.J. 6. Honeywell Acquires Nextnine Another big player making a move in the cybersecurity sector was Honeywell, which completed acquisition of Nextnine Ltd., a privately held provider of industrial cyber security solutions. The business is being integrated into Honeywell’s Industrial Cyber Security group and will strengthen Honeywell’s capability to offer multi-vendor, multi-site secure remote access, monitoring and support to protect industrial control systems and critical infrastructure against a growing threat of cyber-attacks. 7. HID Global Buys Arjo Systems In addition to buying Mercury Security, HID Global also expanded its business in physical and digital identity solutions for secure government ID applications in 2017 with the acquisition of Arjo Systems. The move gives HID Global broader capabilities to deploy electronic identification (eID) and ePassport solutions for government programs. The acquisition also brings together complementary strategies, customer bases and offerings that have strong synergies to support continued innovation for government-to-citizen ID customers. 8. Allied Universal Acquires ALERT Protective Services Allied Universal further expanded its footprint in North America with the acquisition of ALERT Protective Services, a residential community security firm based in Sarasota, Florida. Like Allied Universal, ALERT Protective Services offers integrated security systems and uniformed security professionals to work in tandem with a complete security program at community gatehouses, concierge desks, or security command centres.  9. Veracity Buys iComply Software Company Veracity, a provider of transmission, storage, and display solutions for IP video, announced in 2017 the acquisition of iComply, a software provider of integrated command and control security solutions. The agreement includes all operational staff, software, intellectual property, ongoing business, and also iComply’s sales and support subsidiary in India. Veracity will maintain iComply as a separate business and expand its operations. Veracity planned to sell software based on icomply’s technology under the Veracity brand in the U.S. market, but will keep the separate brands in the United Kingdom, where icomply is better known. 10. Robotic Assistance Devices Acquired By On the Move Systems Robots came on the security scene in a high-profile way in 2017. On the M&A front, Robotic Assistance Devices (RAD), north American master distributor for SMP featuring exclusive power and other special technology, and a North American distributor for SMP Robotics, announced its acquisition by On the Move Systems (OMVS). The merger with OMVS allows RAD access to capital to scale its product portfolio and further increase its market position as a leader in the robotic guard market.

ASSA ABLOY Access Control, a UK division of ASSA ABLOY, the global leader in door opening solutions is helping companies ensure that their sensitive data is protected against unauthorized access with the Aperio® KS100 Server Cabinet Lock. Data Protection Against Unauthorized Access The KS100 allows server cabinet doors and racks to be integrated with real–time access control system, to control exactly who can access the servers, and when. In addition, Smartcard-operated Aperio® access control can generate audit trails, making the KS100 invaluable for incident investigation. Damian Marsh, Managing Director at ASSA ABLOY Access Control, said: “With the data center market growing fast, many companies are sharing a data center location, often even the same rack; consequently, to ensure compliance and avoid costly breaches, managing physical access to servers is critical.” KS100 Server Cabinet Lock Features “KS100 secures data against costly accidental downtime, unauthorized access and physical security breaches. It also allows access control to be affordably added to almost any opening in your data center, even if the facility is shared. The KS100 significantly upgrades data center security, providing businesses and their customers with the highest levels of assurance.” Installation is quick and easy, with power coming via a Power over Ethernet (PoE) connection. Once installed, KS100 locks integrate with an electronic access control system and communicate wirelessly through an Aperio® Communication Hub. With online integration, when a smartcard credential is presented to the lock, access decisions are immediately communicated from the system through the hub and wirelessly back to the lock. Compatible With Existing Smartcards The KS100 is compatible with existing smartcards using all standard RFID technologies, including iCLASS® from HID, Seos™, MIFARE® and DESFire. With Aperio®, lost cabinet keys no longer compromise server security; they are simply de-authorized and a valid replacement can be quickly re-issued. The status of any individual lock can be ascertained with the click of a mouse.

Two blocks composed of multiple 6-bedroom apartments were equipped with Aperio® wireless online cylinders Students test any access management system to its limit. As part of a £10 million refurbishment program, Aberdeen University sought a modern security solution for its refit of accommodation blocks at Hillhead Student Village. The prestigious university demanded affordable access control that would operate within tight budget constraints, yet without compromising the university’s duty of care towards students, staff and visitors. Aberdeen chose Aperio® wireless access control from ASSA ABLOY. Automated Door Systems “Aperio® is a popular choice for universities searching for 21st-century access control,” explains Damian Marsh, Managing Director Access Control at ASSA ABLOY UK. “It offers the capability to secure, monitor and record activity using just one system, as it instantly integrates with third-party access control systems. And it can be easily specified to work with budgets and phased work programmes.” Two blocks composed of multiple 6-bedroom apartments were equipped with Aperio® wireless online cylinders and security locks. A total of 740 Aperio® battery-powered units have been fitted at the site, integrated online with the access control system. Students and staff at the Student Village open apartment entrance doors and plant rooms with standard MIFARE RFID smartcards. There’s no more need for keys. Energy Efficient Because Aperio® cylinders and locks are battery-powered and wireless, they are inexpensive to install and cost-effective to run. No cabling is required. Unlike standard wired access control locks which need an always-on mains connection, Aperio® locks only “wake up” when presented with a credential. As a result, they consume much less energy—which saves money and cuts emissions. And they offer a modern solution to a common student problem: lost room keys. Unlike with mechanical keys, security managers can block and reissue lost smartcards instantly using the system software. With one click of a mouse, a lost card no longer opens Aperio® online doors. It’s more cost efficient—and much quicker—than changing a mechanical cylinder when a key gets lost.

Aperio V3 enables remote unlocking commands to pass from access control systems to doors and locks Access Control, a division of ASSA ABLOY UK, will be launching the Aperio® V3 platform at IFSEC 2015, to improve the reaction time of its wireless locks. The Aperio® V3 platform has powerful electronics that enable remote unlocking commands to pass from access control systems to doors and locks almost instantly, providing users with an effective remote opening function. Offers Improved RFID Performance The system is designed to upgrade processing power and memory space, and offers improved RFID performance when compared to the V2 platform. Damian Marsh, Managing Director at Access Control, said: “ASSA ABLOY’s new generation of battery-powered locks guarantee faster response times, so users waste less time hanging around at doors.” Aperio V3 Platform - Energy Efficient “The Aperio® V3 platform is also energy efficient, for example, frequently used entrance systems with wireless locks running on the platform can operate for two years on a standard battery.” The V3 platform supports multiclass high frequency RFID reading in one device and is also compatible with ASSA ABLOY´s Seos™ mobile access ecosystem for issuing, delivering and revoking digital keys on smart phones.

Latest Aperio wireless cylinders, PINpad escutcheon & L100 have been integrated into Johnson Controls P2000 access control system Global diversified technology and industrial leader, Johnson Controls has partnered with Access Control, a division of ASSA ABLOY UK, to enhance its P2000 security management platform. Access Control’s latest Aperio® wireless cylinders, PINpad escutcheon and L100 – the world’s first complete wireless security lock, have all been integrated into the Johnson Controls P2000 interactive, real-time access control system. Cost Effective And Simple Security Upgrade ASSA ABLOY’s Aperio® is designed to upgrade mechanically locked doors and wirelessly connect them online and offline to new or existing access control systems, with minimal modification to doors and premises, offering a cost effective and simple security upgrade. Don Dixon, Senior Consultant Fire & Security at Johnson Controls Building Efficiency, said: “A full integration with Aperio® has been on the cards for a while, as we have deployed the solution on several sites in the past and have been impressed when working with Access Control. “Aperio® avoids invasive cabling, allowing quick and easy installation that will not be intrusive when we work on listed buildings and other heritage projects.” Damian Marsh, Access Control Managing Director said: “Johnson Controls aims to increase energy efficiency and lower operating costs in buildings. Our integration with Johnson Controls will help the company provide cost-effective access control to buildings through the use of our Aperio® technology.”

Visitors will have the opportunity to see the world’s most comprehensive wireless lock range for security doors Access Control, a division of ASSA ABLOY UK, the global leader in door opening solutions is showcasing its revolutionary Aperio® wireless locking technology at this year’s IFSEC exhibition. Comprehensive Wireless Lock Visitors to stand D1700, will have the opportunity to see the world’s most comprehensive wireless lock range for security doors, using the revolutionary Aperio® wireless locking technology, run on the new high speed V3 platform. The Aperio® KS100, Server Cabinet Lock will also be on display, revealing how easy it is to monitor server cabinets and data racks access. The ASSA ABLOY Access Control team will be on hand to demonstrate how the technology seamlessly integrates mechanical locks into new and existing access control systems, making it both simple to install and cost-effective. Integration Zone At The Event The stand will also feature an Integration Zone, designed to showcase how ASSA ABLOY’s access control and key management products offer an unrivalled proposition. The Integration Zone highlights the collective strength of ASSA ABLOY technologies, and demonstrates how this can benefit system integrators and OEMs. Damian Marsh, Managing Director at Access Control, said: “Aperio® wireless locking technology is the most commonly available access control system globally. “Our open communications provide flexibility, which is why our solutions are already in place with leading OEM and system integrators, such as Lenel, NEDAP and Tyco. Aperio- Most Cost Effective & Energy Efficient Solution “The market for wireless access control systems is still embryonic, just 6% of businesses have a fully wireless system, according to an IFSEC Global survey of businesses covering a wide range of sectors and organization sizes. “At IFSEC we would like to show businesses just how simple access control can be and reveal how Aperio® has been proven across a number of applications to be the most cost effective and energy efficient solution, which easily integrates with existing security systems.”

ASSA ABLOY UK is reducing energy costs for education premises, by providing cheap to run and quick to install, wireless access control Access Control, a division of ASSA ABLOY UK is reducing energy costs for education premises, by providing cheap to run and quick to install, wireless access control. The Department for Education is faced with an estimated budget shortfall of £600 million in 2015-16, according to the Association of Colleges. Despite these financial constraints, it is essential that the safety and security of students, staff and the public is not compromised. Aperio® is designed to upgrade mechanically locked doors and wirelessly connect them online or offline to new or existing access control systems, with minimal modification to doors and premises, offering a cost effective and simple security upgrade. In a typical 1,000-door student accommodation block, Aperio® would save at least £9,800 in running and maintenance costs, every year, over wired access control. Aperio® wireless locks run on standard lithium-ion batteries that only “wake up” when prompted by a smart card or other user credentials. They are not connected to the mains, and do not consume power when inactive. A standard wired security door uses a magnetic lock and reader that require a constant electrical mains connection to stay locked, consuming an average of 55.2 kWh, every year, a typical Aperio® lock consumes only 0.001 kWh of energy per year. Damian Marsh, Managing Director of Access Control, said: “Naturally the estimated cuts to the education sector will lead to building owners and facilities managers looking to reduce expenditure wherever possible. “However, access control should not be compromised; failing to protect and secure people, physical assets and information can be costly and lead to legal consequences and reputational issues arising. “Aperio® not only works as an effective access control system, safeguarding students, staff and their belongings, but also allows organizations to make savings on energy costs.”

ASSA ABLOY’s Aperio® is designed to upgrade mechanically locked doors Global specialist in energy, Schneider Electric has partnered with ASSA ABLOY Access Control UK, to enhance its Continuum building management system. ASSA ABLOY latest Aperio® wireless cylinders, PINpad escutcheon and L100 – the world’s first complete wireless security lock - have all been integrated into the Schneider Electric access control product line. ASSA ABLOY’s Aperio® is designed to upgrade mechanically locked doors and wirelessly connect them online and offline to new or existing access control systems, with minimal modification to doors and premises, offering a cost effective and simple security upgrade. Damian Marsh, Access Control Managing Director said: “With a recent report from IFSEC revealing that just 6% of businesses have a fully wireless access control system, we are delighted that one of the security industry’s major players has chosen to incorporate our Aperio® technology into its building management system and we hope that our partnership will help to increase the number of businesses using access control systems. “Schneider Electric offer a consistent commitment to sustainable development and we are pleased that Aperio® technology is helping the company to provide cost-effective access control integration. Aperio® is not connected to mains, so only ‘wakes up’ when prompted by a user credential, leading to much lower energy consumption.” Catherine Lange at Schneider Electric, said: “The integration of ASSA ABLOY Aperio® wireless technology brings added flexibility to our flagship building management system. The new products allow our customers to extend wireless capability to any new or existing access control system, without breaking the bank.”

The facility required high performance security and access control to help improve day-to-day operations Manchester Central Library has been supplied with innovative Aperio® wireless locking technology from ASSA ABLOY, Access Control, a division of ASSA ABLOY, the global leader in door opening solutions.  The Manchester City Council (MCC) building is the biggest public lending library in Britain after Birmingham’s; it celebrated its 80th birthday this year, but appears much older due to its rotunda structure, derived from Pantheon Rome. The Grade II listed library recently reopened after a £50 million makeover, which saw the introduction of a gaming area, a children’s library modelled on The Secret Garden and a 300-seater reading room. The facility required high performance security and access control, to help improve day-to-day operations and expand public access to the building while maintaining appropriate restrictions to sensitive areas with historical documents. Following a tender process, Grantfen Fire and Security were selected to provide a Genetec Security Centre unified platform, which is integrated with ASSA ABLOY, Access Control’s innovative Aperio® solution. Sue McIntyre, General Manager at Grantfen, said: “An extra 40% of Manchester Central Library is now accessible to the public, since the renovation. Despite this extra footfall, the new security system has made the building feel more secure and the management team confident in the knowledge that Manchester City Council staff, visitors and important archive documentation are all being effectively protected, while visitors can navigate around the library with ease. "The new security system hasmade the building feel moresecure and the managementteam confident in the knowledgethat Manchester City Councilstaff, visitors and importantarchive documentation are allbeing effectively protected" “ASSA ABLOY, Access Control’s Aperio® L100 locks proved to be the most cost effective and easy to install security solution for the library’s study carousels and meetings rooms, offering a straightforward alternative to a wired high-end solution, without any need to modify the doors; a particularly useful feature for the heritage doors in the library.”  Simon Barnes, the business development manager for Genetec UK & Ireland said: “Genetec enjoys a great working relationship with ASSA ABLOY, Access Control and we are proud to offer Aperio® as part of our Synergis® Access Control solution, unified with CCTV, Intruder Detection and many other components under the Genetec Security Center platform. This enables the library’s staff to manage and monitor access authorisations online and in real time.” Damian Marsh, Managing Director of ASSA ABLOY, Access Control, concluded: “Supplying a security system for a building with such historical significance to Manchester, is a testament to the powerful offering in Aperio® wireless locking technology. By enabling wireless access control technology and instantly solving key management issues through working closely with our trusted partners Grantfen and Genetec, we succeeded in minimizing installation costs – crucial for a public sector funded project where budgets are tight.”

  The latest Aperio® products havebeen integrated into the SchneiderElectric access control product line Global specialist in energy, Schneider Electric has partnered with Access Control, a division of ASSA ABLOY UK, to enhance its Continuum building management system. Access Control’s latest Aperio® wireless cylinders, PINpad escutcheon and L100 – the world’s first complete wireless security lock, have all been integrated into the Schneider Electric access control product line. ASSA ABLOY’s Aperio® is designed to upgrade mechanically locked doors and wirelessly connect them online and offline to new or existing access control systems, with minimal modification to doors and premises, offering a cost effective and simple security upgrade. Damian Marsh, Access Control Managing Director said: “With a recent report from IFSEC revealing that just 6% of businesses have a fully wireless access control system, we are delighted that one of the security industry’s major players has chosen to incorporate our Aperio® technology into its building management system and we hope that our partnership will help to increase the number of businesses using access control systems. “Schneider Electric offer a consistent commitment to sustainable development and we are pleased that Aperio® technology is helping the company to provide cost-effective access control integration. Aperio® is not connected to  mains, so only ‘wakes up’ when prompted by a user credential, leading to much lower energy consumption.” Catherine Lange at Schneider Electric, said: “The integration of ASSA ABLOY Aperio® wireless technology brings added flexibility to our flagship building management system. The new products allow our customers to extend wireless capability to any new or existing access control system, without breaking the bank.”

Among the products being showcased will be ASSA‘s SMARTair™ and CLIQ™ remote door opening solutions ASSA ABLOY UK is exhibiting at this year’s Education Facilities Forum, showcasing two of its business units, as the global leader in door opening solutions. Held at the Heythrop Park Resort, Oxfordshire, from 17th-18th November 2014, the two business units – ASSA ABLOY, Security Solutions and ASSA ABLOY, Access Control will display a range of tailored solutions for the education market. Among the products being showcased will be ASSA‘s SMARTair™ and CLIQ™ remote door opening solutions. The innovative systems provide cost effective door management without the associated complexity. CLIQ™ also minimizes administrative work, by allowing an administrator to grant access or to block lost or stolen keys remotely. The one-handed operation of Codehandle will also provide a demonstration of UNION’s ability to combine convenience with access control. ASSA ABLOY Access Control’s Aperio® innovative product portfolio will also be presented – including battery powered online and offline locks, cylinders and escutcheons – all innovatively designed to upgrade mechanically locked doors and wirelessly connect them online or offline to new or existing access control systems, with minimal modification to doors and premises. "We have considerableexperience in supplyingeducational facilities,from primary schoolsto universities" Tina Hughan, Marketing Director for ASSA ABLOY UK, said: “We have considerable experience in supplying educational facilities, from primary schools to universities and are looking forward to sharing our involved knowledge of the sector at this year’s Education Facilities Forum. “We understand that products need to have the right balance between being robust to withstand the rigors of educational establishments, meeting legislative requirements and being visually appealing, to create comfortable, friendly teaching and living environments for students and staff. It is with this in mind that we create our tailored product ranges.” Damian Marsh, Managing Director of ASSA ABLOY Access Control: “Aperio® has proven to be a cost effective and energy efficient access control solution across a number of education projects. “Our latest white paper findings revealed that Aperio® is proven to save at least £9,800 in running and maintenance costs of a typical 1,000 unit student accommodation block, in comparison to wired access control doors. Facilities Managers and Bursars will have the opportunity to discover more of Aperio®’s benefits at the show.”

TDSi became the first to partner with ASSA ABLOY Access Control’s Aperio® wireless locking solutions using innovative IP hub technology to deliver sustainable total building security. Aperio® was featured on TDSI stand operating with its EXgarde 4.2 fully featured access management system, designed to support multiple doors as standard with the option to extend using an unlimited door license and meet the needs of even the largest of access control networks. John Davies, Managing Director of TDSi said: “By connecting with ASSA ABLOY Access Control’s Aperio® IP hub technology, we can present a simple installation solution with greater flexibility to upgrade the controllability and security level of any premises. IFSEC International 2014 was the perfect opportunity for us to demonstrate this to our customers and stand visitors.” The Aperio® range of cylinders, locks and escutcheons integrate with TDSi Exgarde via Aperio® IP hub technology. By utilising Aperio® in this way, TDSi supports MIFARE and 125kHz credentials to provide an overall cost effective solution, with minimal modification to doors and premises. The added advantage is Aperio® can assist in bringing down energy usage and CO2 consumption due to the long battery life. Overall, this means access control can be extended further across a site at a lower cost per door. Damian Marsh, Managing Director of ASSA ABLOY Access Control UK added: “Aperio® is well recognized as an extremely cost effective and sustainable way of eliminating key control issues. By example, white paper research proves it can save at least £9,800 in running and maintenance costs of a typical 1,000 unit student accommodation block, in comparison to wired access control doors. “Building an innovative product is not enough on its own. This is where working closely with our OEM customers and access control specialists is key. ASSA ABLOY Access Control has continued a positive working relationship with TDSi and the company’s capability and the successful integration only works to further enhance our joint business philosophy to deliver real additional value to the proposition offered to our customers.” ASSA ABLOY Access Control is a division of ASSA ABLOY, the global leader in door opening solutions, dedicated to satisfying end-user needs for security, safety and convenience. In the UK Portobello Headquarters in Willenhall, ASSA ABLOY manufactures and sells mechanical, electromechanical and electronic locks, cylinders, security doors and fittings.

ASSA ABLOY successfully held an IFSEC Academy discussion on commercial security utilising its experience with Aperio technology ASSA ABLOY Access Control presented its innovative wireless locking solutions for secure access control in partnership with leading system integrators and OEM partners at IFSEC 2014. Key highlights for ASSA ABLOY Access Control included battery powered online and offline locks, cylinders and escutcheons from the revolutionary Aperio® wireless locking technology portfolio, not only on display on the ASSA ABLOY stand, but also on an impressive 16 OEM partner stands. Alongside product display, ASSA ABLOY Access Control successfully held an IFSEC Academy discussion on whether commercial security was built in, or bolted on, utilising its experience with the popular Aperio® technology. A show networking event also captured over 100 visitors, partners and guests of ASSA ABLOY Access Control at the O2 bowl. ASSA ABLOY Access Control was also able to show evidence taken from its latest white paper findings into energy efficiency, whereby Aperio® has proven to save at least £9,800 in running and maintenance costs of a typical 1,000 unit student accommodation block, in comparison to wired access control doors. Says Damian Marsh, Managing Director of ASSA ABLOY Access Control: “IFSEC continues to be a hugely important show for ASSA ABLOY, and a real showcase for our latest product innovations. The proven popularity of Aperio® is really cemented in the number of our OEM partners that were willing to show the wireless technology on their own stand at the show.” “However, IFSEC is not just about product innovation, but the networking opportunities both at the show and at our successful event at the O2, prove the importance of the industry having the opportunity to discuss latest trends and end user requirements in security. Only this way, can we continue to understand what is being asked for and deliver what the market needs to add business value for the benefit of our customers and their customers.” ASSA ABLOY Access Control Aperio® product portfolio has been innovatively designed to upgrade mechanically locked doors and wirelessly connect them online or offline to new or existing access control systems, with minimal modification to doors and premises.