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Swiss security group dormakaba completed the acquisition of the operating businesses of Azure Access Technology Inc. and ADME Inc., which operates under the Apollo Security brand, on August 14, 2026, according to European security industry publication Euro Security.

Through the acquisition, dormakaba aims to strengthen its position in the U.S. electronic access control market and accelerate its strategy of developing an open component portfolio. The acquisition price and other financial details have not been disclosed.

Acquired Companies Focus on Open Access Control Components

According to Euro Security, Azure Access was founded in 2019 and is headquartered in Newport Beach, California. The company specializes in developing customizable hardware for electronic access control systems.

Its core offering is an open controller platform designed specifically for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and software providers. The platform enables partners to develop their own controller panels and accessories, while allowing new functions to be integrated into existing access control systems more efficiently.

Also based in Newport Beach, Apollo Security has extensive experience in the development and manufacturing of access control and integrated security systems.

Together, the two businesses employ approximately 30 people and serve access control solution providers worldwide.

Strategic Shift from Integrated Solutions to Open Components

According to Euro Security, dormakaba CEO Till Reuter said that the acquisition of Azure Access and Apollo Security’s assets will accelerate the company’s development of next-generation access control solutions and advance its component strategy in the United States.

He further noted that dormakaba has traditionally focused on providing complete, integrated solutions. Going forward, the company plans to expand its portfolio of open components—including locks, readers, and controllers—designed specifically for OEM partners.

The strategy is expected to create additional sales channels while giving software providers and OEM partners greater flexibility in developing their own access control solutions.

The move marks a shift from the traditional model of offering integrated, packaged solutions toward a more open and modular approach. By providing open components, software providers and OEM partners can have greater control over how hardware and software are integrated, potentially helping them bring new products and functions to market more efficiently.

Industry Impact: A Changing Landscape for Electronic Access Control

The acquisition is the latest in a series of strategic deals undertaken by dormakaba in recent years, according to Euro Security.

Since 2025, dormakaba has completed several acquisitions, including Vintech in Australia, Avant-Garde Systems in the United States, and Any2any in Germany. The company’s continued M&A activity highlights its increasingly active approach to pursuing growth opportunities.

From an industry perspective, the latest acquisition highlights several important trends.

1. Open Architecture Is Gaining Importance in Access Control

Azure Access’s open controller platform allows software companies to deploy their own controller panels and accessories, providing greater flexibility than many traditional access control solutions.

By bringing this technology into its portfolio, dormakaba is strengthening its capabilities in open and interoperable access control solutions, reflecting a broader industry shift toward more flexible and integration-friendly technologies.

2. Competition in the U.S. Electronic Access Control Market Is Intensifying

The United States is one of the world’s major access control markets. Through a series of acquisitions, including Avant-Garde Systems and Azure Access, dormakaba is strengthening its presence in the U.S. market.

The addition of Azure Access and Apollo Security also provides dormakaba with new capabilities and customer resources in the OEM component segment.

3. Modular Components Are Reshaping the Security Industry Value Chain

Traditionally, access control has largely been based on the sale of complete locks and integrated systems.

However, as software-defined security and cloud-based management continue to develop, more companies are seeking greater control over how hardware and software are integrated.

dormakaba’s move toward open components can be seen as a response to this broader shift toward modular and flexible security solutions.

Acquisition Expected to Expand Market Reach and Product Development

According to Euro Security, Evan Zinger, Executive Vice President of Azure Access and Apollo Security, welcomed the acquisition, saying that the companies were pleased to join dormakaba and take their platform to the next level.

Zinger added that industry leaders have long recognized the capabilities of their solutions, and that the acquisition would help overcome remaining barriers related to scale and adoption, while enabling the companies to develop enterprise-level applications and expand their global reach.

He also noted that by challenging existing approaches together, the two sides aim to significantly expand market coverage while gaining the resources needed to accelerate their product roadmap.

The transaction was signed and completed on August 14, 2026.

As dormakaba continues to implement its open component strategy, the acquisition of Azure Access and Apollo Security could further influence the competitive landscape of the electronic access control market, particularly in the United States.

Source

Originally published by Euro Security. Translated and edited from the original Chinese-language article published by 门锁世界 (Door Lock World).