Gunnebo to sell Entrance Control unit to ASSA ABLOY

Gunnebo Group has agreed to sell its Entrance Control business unit to ASSA ABLOY, subject to regulatory approval and closing conditions.

The transaction is another step in Gunnebo's reshaping after a decade of narrowing its focus from a broader industrial business to a security group centred on two divisions: Entrance Control and Safe Storage.

Once completed, the sale will leave Gunnebo focused on Safe Storage, which serves customers seeking protection for valuables. That focus is expected to strengthen its position in secure technology and safe storage markets.

Entrance Control makes products including speed gates, turnstiles and other systems used to manage the movement of people through sites such as commercial buildings, transport networks, retail locations, industrial facilities and high-security premises.

ASSA ABLOY plans to add the unit to its Entrance Systems division, bringing together businesses that operate in access and entry management. The combination would extend ASSA ABLOY's presence in sectors including commercial property, public transport and critical infrastructure.

The agreement reflects Gunnebo's long-term strategic shift as it repositions itself as a more focused, technology-led security business serving customers worldwide.

Gunnebo also highlighted investment under its owners, Altor and Stena Adactum, in staff, factories, products, product development, digitalisation and sustainability.

Stefan Syren, President and CEO of Gunnebo Group, described the transaction as part of that wider change.

"I am excited about the journey ahead for Entrance Control as part of ASSA ABLOY. Over the past decade, we have transformed Gunnebo from an industrial conglomerate into a focused technology company. The combined team brings innovative products, strong service capabilities and highly skilled talent to the market.

"Altor and Stena Adactum have invested significantly in the business - in our people, new factories, new products, product development, digitalisation and sustainability - with the ambition to build a world-class company. With their continued support, Gunnebo will sharpen its focus on the SecureTech and Safe Storage markets, accelerate innovation, digitalisation and service-based business models, deepen customer relationships and drive customer-led sustainable growth, both organically and through selected acquisitions," Syren said.

Strategic shift

For Gunnebo, the sale simplifies the group around its remaining business and gives it a single operating focus. Safe Storage will sit at the centre of the company's next phase after years alongside Entrance Control as one of its two main units.

For ASSA ABLOY, the acquisition would add a specialist provider of entrance control equipment and related systems. Gunnebo Entrance Control has built its business around physical access management in environments that require both security and the smooth movement of people.

The businesses have complementary technologies, products and expertise, and the deal would give Entrance Control access to ASSA ABLOY's global sales and service network.

Howard Lang, President of Gunnebo Entrance Control, said the agreement would place the business inside a larger access solutions group.

"This is a proud moment for everyone at Gunnebo Entrance Control. We are excited about the opportunities this combination creates for our employees, customers and partners. Bringing together these two organisations with complementary strengths will accelerate innovation, further improve our customer offering, drive future growth and reinforce our position as a leading provider of entrance control solutions. Becoming part of ASSA ABLOY marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter," Lang said.

The announcement did not disclose financial terms. Completion is expected in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary approvals.