ACRE, a security system provider, announced today it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Open Options based in Addison, Texas. This purchase will enhance ACRE’s strategic expansion plans for strengthening its access control business and product portfolio.


This is the latest merger and acquisition activity since ACRE completed the acquisitions of ComNet (Danbury, Conn.) and Access Control Technologies (Dublin, Ireland) businesses in 2016. Open Options will significantly increase ACRE’s position in the access control market, with emphasis on North America.


For 20 years, Open Options has developed access control solutions that connect to leading security technologies to deliver a full-scale solution based on each customer’s unique needs. Open Options has been a Mercury Security partner since 1997 and is dedicated to delivering the most advanced open-platform access control solution available on the market.


ACRE’s CEO, Joseph Grillo, stated that this transaction will continue to expand ACRE’s competitive position in a highly fragmented market with great growth potential. 


“The acquisition of Open Options boosts Vanderbilt’s reach in the access control market and enhances our product portfolio with the addition of an open architecture access control solution,” said Grillo. “With the international portfolio fully integrated, it was time to turn our focus to North America.” 


“We are pleased to join the ACRE organization with its strong global reach which will open new opportunities for the Open Options product range,” said Steve Fisher, Open Options founder and CEO. 


Financial details of the transaction were not released. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2018. 

For an exclusive SDM interview with ACRE CEO Joseph Grillo regarding this acquisition, click here.