Door distributor Cook & Boardman acquires access control system integrator ESG

Cook & Boardman supply ASSA ABLOY doors seen here

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The Cook & Boardman Group LLC (C&B), a US specialty distributor and supplier of commercial door entry solutions and systems integration services has announced the acquisition of Electronic Systems Group (ESG).

The takeover of ESG, based in Cranberry, PA, is C&B’s twentieth acquisition in the past four years. 

Founded in 2015 by Brian Brandt, ESG is a security and systems integrator, focused on delivering complex electronic access control, video surveillance, alarm and intrusion systems to enterprise clients with multiple locations. 

The company serves the utility, pharmaceutical, healthcare, higher education, multi-tenant, data center and financial markets in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia.

“We are thrilled to welcome ESG to the Cook & Boardman family of companies,” said Darrin Anderson, Chief Executive Officer of C&B. 

“They have a well-earned reputation as a security solutions provider and fit perfectly into our strategy of offering nationwide security integration services. 

“We look forward to leveraging ESG’s expertise in providing security solutions that protect our nation’s critical energy infrastructure across the broader C&B organization.”

ESG founder, Brian Brandt, who did not reveal financial details of the takeover, said: “We are excited to join C&B as they transform the industry. ESG has earned customers’ respect and loyalty by providing innovative security solutions and best-in-class support,” noted company founder, Brian Brandt. “We are excited to join C&B as they transform the industry.”

The company will continue to operate under the Electronic Systems Group name and customer contacts will remain unchanged as a result of the acquisition.

Cook & Boardman is a portfolio company of Littlejohn & Co. LLC. ESG represents C&B’s twentieth acquisition since being acquired by Littlejohn in October 2018.

Last month C&B launched a newly-designed website and online store. The upgraded site was designed to provide a streamlined customer experience and access to thousands of quick ship products with industry-leading technical support for general contractors, architects and facility managers across the US. 

As part of a revamp of the business and to herald the change in its structure it said: “The new version of the C&B website and online store contains numerous upgrades, including”: 

o Mobile-first design responsive to any device 

o Enhanced search functionality 

o Expanded resource library, including how-to videos and instruction guides 

o Multi-level shopping lists 

o Updated payment portal which now accepts PayPal, Google Pay, and Apple Pay 

“The launch of the new website and online store enables our customers to access over 23,000 commercial door, hardware, access control and accessory products, available for quick-ship with live online chat support from a network of industry experts,” noted Lance Simpson, Chief Operating Officer for C&B. 

“Our customers will benefit from a modernized website that can integrate with any large customer purchasing system,” explained Craig Stilwell, C&B’s eCommerce Business Director. “Our model is based on efficiency throughout the process; we’re providing users a streamlined experience and access to a larger catalog of products and online resources.” 

About Cook & Boardman Group

Cook & Boardman is a distributor of commercial doors, frames & hardware, electronic access control equipment and specialty (Division 10) products. The company is also one of the nation’s largest and fastest growing providers of integrated security solutions – including physical security, access control, wireless networking, low voltage cabling, audio/visual and managed information technology products.

The company serves multi-family and non-residential markets including the commercial, education, government, healthcare, office and hospitality sectors from more than 70 locations across 21 states and nationwide through its ecommerce SITE

About Littlejohn & Co. LLC

Littlejohn & Co. LLC is a Greenwich, Connecticut-based investment firm focused on private equity and debt investments primarily in middle market companies. The firm seeks to build sustainable success for its portfolio companies through a disciplined approach to engineering change. For more information about Littlejohn, click HERE 

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