The January edition of SECURITY SALES & INTEGRATION includes our annual industry forecast as a cornerstone of our special 2013 Industry Forecast Issue. For the piece, I interviewed 20 of the industry’s most knowledgeable market analysts, business experts, systems integrators, manufacturer representatives and trade association directors. Some of their perspectives can be found in the magazine article, with the balance of their assessments appearing in separate Under Surveillance blog posts.
Featured in this installment: Les Gold, Attorney, Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP.
What do you envision as far the industry at large is concerned in 2013?
Les Gold: I believe you will see increased competition from international players as they access the U.S. market as well as significant M&A activity from offshore companies acquiring U.S. companies. Overall, I believe the opportunity in this industry is great. The recession has hurt new business for a number of years. My dealings with manufacturers and dealers, both in the United States and abroad, lead me to believe the demand for new systems will increase dramatically in the New Year. I foresee a good year for both integrators and dealers, but I foresee significant consolidation on the integration side as the demand for national coverage increases. Monitoring will continue to grow as the demand for security increases, particularly in the residential side. I believe 2013 will be a great year, the best in a very long time.
Do you envision anything particularly surprising for 2013?
Gold: I anticipate great years ahead for the entire industry with significant consolidation activity in various sectors of the industry. Surprising to some may be the arrival of new offshore companies acquiring U.S. companies.
