The security industry continues to attract private equity investment as companies look to expand their market presence, strengthen dealer relationships, and capitalize on growing consumer demand for connected security solutions.  On October 26, 2026, Truelink Capital announced a definitive agreement to acquire Johnson Controls' global intrusion products business, including established security brands DSC, Qolsys, PowerG, Visonic, Bentel, and Sur-Gard. The business will operate independently following the transaction, which is expected to close in the first half of 2027.

Truelink plans to invest in product development, engineering, next-generation security panels, sensors, and interactive platforms, while expanding its dealer and distribution programs.

The announcement comes at a critical time for the security industry. New research from Parks Associates shows that dealers are navigating a changing competitive environment, with increasing pressure from DIY solutions, expanding commercial opportunities, and growing interest in acquisitions.

Consolidation is accelerating across the security industry

Parks Associates' latest Security Dealers Perspectives: Views from the Front Line study, based on a survey of 204 security dealers, highlights the growing role of acquisitions and private equity investment. More than half of security dealer owners reported receiving offers to purchase their businesses in 2025, compared to 43% in 2023.The security dealer market remains highly fragmented, creating opportunities for investors and larger companies to expand their geographic reach, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen recurring revenue streams.

The Truelink acquisition reflects this broader investment interest, although the transaction involves a major security equipment manufacturer rather than a dealer, and comes without the acquisition of individual dealer accounts that provides a steady revenue stream for dealers. Equipment manufacturers are pressured to diversify hardware offerings to meet consumer demand for smart home technologies and DIY security solutions while supporting an evolving dealer channel.

Dealers face growing competition from DIY security solutions

Parks Associates research finds that 74% of security dealers have lost a sale to DIY security systems or video products, up from 51% in 2023  Dealers are responding by adjusting their business models and expanding their offerings.

• 36% of dealers now sell security systems online, compared to 24% in 2023.
• 32% sell DIY security systems.

Dealers are adapting to consumers who increasingly expect flexible purchasing options, competitive pricing, and connected security products. For equipment manufacturers, these changes create opportunities to develop products that support multiple installation models, integrate with smart home platforms, and enable dealers to offer differentiated services.

Consumer demand is changing the security system itself

Parks Associates' Q2 2026 consumer study, Home Security in Transition: The Future of Protection, based on a survey of 8,000 US internet households, shows continued growth in security adoption.  Security system ownership reached 37% of US internet households in Q2 2026, up from 31% in 2022. Another 12% own a smart camera or video doorbell without a security system. 

The research also shows that video devices and smart home capabilities are changing what consumers expect from security providers. Among security systems acquired within the past year:

• 53% included cameras, 56% higher than systems acquired more than six years ago
• 33% included smart door locks, versus 9% of those older than six years
• 38% included a security panel or keypad, a 39% decrease in the same period

These shifts away from traditional intrusion-only systems toward more comprehensive, video-first solutions presents an opportunity for manufacturers. The newly independent Johnson Controls intrusion business will be positioned to support both traditional security infrastructure and the growing demand for video, connected devices, and intelligent services.

New services offer opportunities to grow recurring revenue

Parks Associates' dealer research finds that more than two thirds of dealers identify customer demand for cameras and video doorbells as a driver of residential security sales, while 52% cite demand for smart home devices such as locks, lights, and thermostats.   However, only 28% of dealers position themselves as smart home solutions companies rather than traditional premises security providers. This disconnect creates an opportunity for manufacturers and service providers to help dealers expand their value proposition.

The consumer research also points to new opportunities in AI-enabled security.

Consumers are increasingly looking for security systems that do more than sound an alarm. They want solutions that provide greater awareness, simplify household management, and help them respond to potential threats. These capabilities create opportunities to develop premium monitoring services, expanding recurring monthly revenue. This strengthens long-term customer relationships after the hardware purchase.

What comes next for the security industry?

The Truelink Capital acquisition rides investor confidence  in the continued importance of the professional security channel, even as the market expands to include DIY systems, technology platforms, and new service models. Investment in product development, interactive platforms, and dealer support will be important as manufacturers compete to serve a more diverse customer base.

Parks Associates research points to three important priorities for the industry: modernizing product portfolios to meet demand for video-first security, helping dealers compete through flexible installation and purchasing models, and expanding recurring revenue through smart home integration and AI-enabled services.

The next phase of growth will depend delivering hardware that enables the desired setup and features, for which security equipment providers are a critical part.

The opportunity extends beyond traditional intrusion detection to whole-home protection, bringing together security, safety, intelligent monitoring, and connected smart home services to create a more comprehensive and integrated experience for consumers.

About the Research

Parks Associates' Security Dealers Perspectives: Views from the Front Line examines dealer business performance, acquisitions, competitive pressures, product strategies, and emerging service opportunities. The study draws on responses from 204 security dealers surveyed between October 2025 and January 2026.

Home Security in Transition: The Future of Protection analyzes security adoption, purchasing behavior, monitoring services, AI applications, and competitive dynamics using Parks Associates' Q2 2026 survey of 8,000 US internet households.

Industry announcement: Truelink Capital Signs Definitive Agreement to Acquire Johnson Controls' Global Intrusion Products Business

For more information about Parks Associates' security research, visit www.parksassociates.com.