In a move that will catapult family-owned Melbourne business Access Hardware to become Australia’s largest commercial locksmith provider, it has announced its acquisition of API Access & Security for an undisclosed sum.
The deal is expected to close in the third quarter of 2025 and is a major win for Access Hardware, which is one of the country’s biggest suppliers of architectural door hardware, commercial locksmithing and integrated electronic security solutions.
With approximately 250 employees, Access Hardware said the acquisition is expected to strengthen its service footprint, increase technician coverage, and enhance product availability and technical support for customers.
It added that there would be no disruption for its customers with all existing service arrangements maintained.
“API Access & Security has built a strong reputation in the industry, and by combining their expertise with our national infrastructure and scale, we will be well positioned to deliver even more value to customers across Australia,” Access Hardware managing director Spencer Lowndes says.
Acquisitions within the access and security sector
In 2012, API Access & Security was acquired by GWA Group.
In 2018, the NYSE-listed security products and solutions provider Allegion acquired GWA Group Limited’s Door and Access Systems Business which included Gainsborough Hardware and API Locksmiths for $107 million.
The GWA Door and Access Systems Business generated sales of approximately $95 million for calendar year 2017.
Apart from now selling API, in March Allegion announced that it was acquiring Victorian-based Nova Hardware (Novas). Founded in 1996, Novas designs and sells mechanical and electronic locks, door closers and seals, hinges, pulls and levers as well as master keying solutions, primarily in Australian multifamily and commercial markets.
In the month prior to that, Allegion announced the acquisition of another Victorian-based door hardware company, Lemaar Australia (Lemaar). The privately held company’s security and accessibility solutions include door entry systems, handles and digital locks for residential and multifamily markets.
Read more: Mobile access the greener choice in future of building security management
