Johnson Controls Takes Over Esotec

Johnson Controls confirms the acquisition of Esotec, a primary provider of integrated security systems for government and other high-profile facilities operators.

FREMONT, CA: Johnson Controls, the world leader in smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings, has confirmed the acquisition of Esotec, a primary provider of integrated security systems and integration recently and managed services for government, national heritage, and other high-profile facilities operators in the United Kingdom.

Esotec, based in Oxford, provides installation, maintenance, and assistance, along with design and consultancy. Esotec's professional engineers offer end-to-end security solutions, like CCTV, intrusion detection systems (IDS), video analytics, and remote monitoring, as a trusted integrator of security systems. It provides corrective and preventative maintenance and guidance on bespoke updates 24 hours a day, the entire year, as well as detailed threat and risk assessments based on best-of-breed intelligent surveillance technologies.

"Esotec is an excellent business with strong customer relationships, that perfectly complements our UK security business," said Richard Jones, General Manager, Fire & Security at Johnson Controls UK&I. "The team, led by Andy Durham and Dave Oliver, will bring invaluable skills and customer relationships to our existing team, and together we have a huge opportunity for growth over the coming years."

Reaching a new customer base

Instead of depending on subcontractors for installation service contracts, Johnson Controls would be able to reap the benefits of Esotec's broad knowledge of security standards in the high-security domain and offer its specialist services directly to a national customer base. Johnson Controls will also launch OpenBlue Secure digital solutions like Active Responder and Risk Insight to new markets and verticals.

Business-as-usual for Esotec

Esotec will continue to operate as a separate company for the time being. In the next few months, Johnson Controls will collaborate with the team to find ways to enhance customer and employee experience and better integrate business operations.

Andy Durham (Managing Director) and Dave Oliver (Director), the company's founders and two key shareholders, will remain at the forefront to ensure continuity. They will continue to provide good customer relationship management and help to ensure Esotec's long-term sustainability by working together with the rest of the Esotec team of highly qualified and experienced engineering and delivery teams.

"We are all extremely excited to be joining the Johnson Controls family," said Andy Durham, Managing Director at Esotec. "We share the same ethos and values, and have a very similar culture to Johnson Controls, making the acquisition a natural fit for both companies. We now have the opportunity to improve the products offered to our specialised high security customers, and to develop more compelling, multi-faceted managed services and solutions."