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IDS acquires GSC Systems

Inhep Digital Security (IDS), a local intrusion brand operating in South Africa has announced the acquisition of GSC Systems, a longstanding manufacturer of access control systems in South Africa. Between them, IDS and GSC have close to 50 years of experience developing and manufacturing electronic security systems in South Africa with sales around the world.

Since its acquisition by the Lereko-Metier in 2007, IDS has added several new product ranges to its core basket and has successfully exported those products to 50 countries on four continents.

IDS’s MD, Bryan Watson, commented, “With its roots in the world’s most demanding security market, South Africa, IDS has set its sights on becoming the leading supplier of electronic security to the rapidly growing middle class in emerging markets. Access control is a key component of this strategy and in GSC, IDS has acquired a business with a shared ethic and excellent synergies.”

Watson says the access control industry is near to the intrusion and alarm industry and IDS sees GSC as a way to quickly enter the access market with a range of products and existing partners that have proved themselves reliable and easy to use over many years, and gained a strong customer base. IDS’s existing sales channel will scale GSC’s reach quickly, making the product available to a broader market than before.

Watson says IDS will integrate GSC’s sales channel into its own over time to offer clients a single sales experience for all their requirements.

“GSC brings to the table 18 years of experience in the access control sector, with a proven product range, extensive installer relationships, a strong export base, and some new generation products ready to take to market. We will also be exploring opportunities to add value through integration of our products, delivering on our vision of providing electronic security that is intuitive, robust, and meets the needs of the emerging market middle class,” adds Watson.

IDS sales director, Giles Calenborne, says, “We are confident that IDS’s extensive distribution network across Africa and Asia will open new opportunities for GSC’s existing products. GSC’s existing customers can look forward to continuity of service with the retention by IDS of the key GSC team members, and improved availability of product via IDS’s seven branches across South Africa.”

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