In the last 4 years M&A activity has for the most part been driven through strategic buys, within the security industry to acquire or leverage new technology and move into horizontal product businesses in order to provide total solutions, and / or improve focus on particular vertical markets where demand is fast growing. Strategic buys within the industry have been the main driver for consolidation in 2012 but its impact is down on 2011 and this trend may well continue as companies from the ICT and Defense business and Private Equity Companies make further forays into the security industry. The proportion of external buys has increased and in 2012 accounting for 30% of the total acquisition business measured by volume. Consolidation in 2012 has therefore been more influenced by external companies buying into the physical security market than in the previous 3 years whilst conversely the internal players, particularly the major conglomerates have decided to […]