Merger and Acquisition Insights for Security Specialists: A Discussion with Kelly Bond
In the bustling atmosphere of the ESX show floor, Kelly Bond, a Partner at Bridgepoint Advisors, was recently interviewed about the security M&A process. The ESX show, known for its connection to the security industry, provided an ideal platform for this discussion.
Bridgepoint Advisors, established in February 2025 as a successor to Davis Mergers and Acquisitions Group, specializes in serving the electronic security industry. The firm offers guidance for owners of various security-related businesses, including alarm, integration, fire, and Central Monitoring Station operators. Kelly Bond, one of the co-founders of Bridgepoint Advisors, assists these business owners in navigating the process of buying or selling their companies.
The interview with Kelly Bond focused on the impact of tariffs on the security M&A process. Despite the economic landscape being reshaped by tariffs, the broader M&A trends in cybersecurity and industrial sectors up to mid-2025 suggest that tariffs have not significantly dampened transactional activity.
Cybersecurity M&A remains very active and strong in 2025, with high deal volumes and strategic acquisitions focused on integrating AI-driven capabilities, cloud security, and identity management platforms. Similarly, strategic M&A in industrials and services, which includes electronic security, is also accelerating, fueled by companies focusing on core capabilities and technology enablement like AI and automation.
Kelly Bond’s perspective specifically on tariffs and electronic security M&A would require direct sources not found here. However, given the broader context, the security M&A market in 2025 is robust and driven primarily by technological innovation and strategic positioning, possibly mitigating tariff-related disruptions.
The interview with Kelly Bond was conducted by industry veterans Steve Rubin and Jason Grelle, who co-founded Bridgepoint Advisors with Kelly Bond. Paul Rothman, the Security Business Editor-in-Chief, moderated the discussion, which took place during the ESX show in 2025.
In conclusion, the security M&A market continues to thrive, with companies and investors focusing on technology-driven growth areas and platform consolidation amid evolving market challenges. The ESX show, with its industry-focused atmosphere, provided an excellent setting for this insightful discussion on the security M&A process.
- The interview with Kelly Bond, a Partner at Bridgepoint Advisors, revealed that the security M&A market in 2025 is driven primarily by technological innovation and strategic positioning, despite tariffs reshaping the economic landscape.
- Given the focus of Bridgepoint Advisors on serving the electronic security industry and the active M&A activity in cybersecurity and industrials, it's evident that technology plays a significant role in driving business in these sectors.
