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Axis acquires 2N

2N announced on May 30 that it had signed an agreement to be acquired by Axis Communications in a strategic decision to add intercom to its IP security portfolio.

2N is a leading player in the field of IP intercom and also operates in other areas, for example, IP audio and IP lift intercom. The company has well-established sales channels through electricians and telecom installers as well as lift manufacturers, which can serve as a complement to Axis’ present global sales channels. At the same time, 2N will benefit from Axis’ strong market position and R&D resources.

“The acquisition supports our ambition to contribute to a smarter and safer world. There is an increased customer demand for integrated solutions with open standards that deliver enhanced security. Together with 2N we can meet that demand,” says Peter Lindström, VP new business at Axis Communications.

According to Aaron Dale, analyst for IHS, “2N’s route to market and IP focus makes this a logical acquisition for Axis, which is in strong position to develop and market 2N’s existing product line.

“This acquisition will also give Axis a stake in the market for audio and video door phones, which IHS forecast will reach nearly $2.6 billion by 2020. However, the true value in the acquisition is not likely to come from Axis’s ability to penetrate the audio and video door phone market, but in its strengthened ability to provide a more complete IP security solution (a position that Axis have been building in recent years).”

The market for open IP audio and video door phones is forecast to grow much faster than the alternative market for traditional analogue door phones. However, in recent years there has been the emergence of a third market, in the form of video doorbells, which has the potential to hamper sales of IP video door phone. These products have similar functionality to a residential video door phone, with two-way audio and an integrated HD camera. The main difference is the outdoor unit is synced to the user’s smartphone rather than a fixed indoor unit.

“Vendors have already announced partnerships with large residential security companies and the video doorbells will offer additional product options in the smart home and residential security businesses,” adds Dale. “The video doorbell market also attracted considerable investment over the two years to 2016, which has allowed for comprehensive marketing and advertising campaigns.”

The 2N brand will remain and the company will operate as a subsidiary within the Axis group. The joint operations will concern knowledge sharing and assisting each other in R&D and market access. An important joint task is to accelerate the convergence from analogue systems towards IP intercom and the development of new opportunities.

“We plan for development and growth for Axis as well as for 2N. The market is growing and by acquiring 2N we can continue to drive the change in the market,” says Lindström.

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