Last year was a big one for security industry mergers and acquisitions. SDM counted at least seven major deals involving security dealers or integrators — as either buyers or sellers. We asked financial specialists in this area what motivated these deals and what they mean for the industry. We were particularly curious about why so many new types of companies are investing so heavily in the industry — from guard company and electronic security integrator Securitas to auto club franchisee AAA Northern California, Nevada and Utah (AAA NCNU).