Cook & Boardman Buys Assurance Media, Cementing Mid-Atlantic Dominance

WINSTON-SALEM, NC – April 01, 2026 – The Cook & Boardman Group, a national powerhouse in access and security solutions, today announced its acquisition of Delaware-based systems integrator Assurance Media. The move, the seventeenth for Cook & Boardman since being acquired by private equity firm Platinum Equity in 2023, signals a significant escalation in its strategy to build a coast-to-coast security empire.

The acquisition brings Assurance Media, a respected provider of structured cabling, audiovisual systems, and premise security in Delaware and Pennsylvania, into Cook & Boardman's sprawling family of companies. While the financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed, the strategic implications are clear: Cook & Boardman is aggressively consolidating the fragmented security solutions market, one regional specialist at a time.

The Private Equity Playbook: Building a Security Giant

This acquisition is a textbook execution of a "buy and build" strategy, heavily fueled by private equity investment. Since Platinum Equity acquired a majority stake in 2023, Cook & Boardman has pursued a relentless pace of acquisitions. This latest deal underscores the firm's commitment to its M&A&O®—Mergers, Acquisitions & Operations—model, which focuses on leveraging operational expertise to drive growth in its portfolio companies.

By acquiring regional leaders like Assurance Media, Cook & Boardman systematically expands its geographic footprint and technical capabilities. The goal is to create an unrivaled national provider of fully integrated solutions, from commercial doors and hardware (Division 8) to complex electronic access control and managed IT services (Divisions 27 & 28).

"We are excited to welcome Assurance Media to the Cook & Boardman family," said David Eisner, Chief Executive Officer of Cook & Boardman, in a statement. "Over the years, Assurance Media has earned a strong reputation across Delaware and the nearby areas, built on outstanding customer service and a solutions-driven approach. We look forward to partnering with Mark, Jennifer, and the entire Assurance Media team to grow and achieve new milestones together."

This pattern of consolidation is reshaping the security integrator landscape. As larger, well-capitalized players absorb smaller firms, the industry is shifting toward providers who can offer a comprehensive suite of services to national clients, simplifying procurement and ensuring consistent standards across multiple locations.

Local Expertise on a National Stage

For customers in Delaware and Pennsylvania, the acquisition promises the best of both worlds. Assurance Media, founded in 2009, has built its business on a foundation of local trust and technical excellence. The company is a multiple-time recipient of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce's Award of Excellence and has been named a "Delaware Top Workplace" five times, reflecting a strong company culture and high employee satisfaction.

Under the terms of the deal, Assurance Media will continue to operate under its own name, and its existing customer contacts will remain unchanged. This strategy allows Cook & Boardman to leverage the powerful brand equity and local relationships that Assurance Media has cultivated for over a decade. Former owner Mark Stellini will stay on as General Manager, ensuring leadership continuity.

"Assurance Media has always focused on being a trusted partner to our design and construction clients, providing innovative solutions backed by exceptional service," Stellini stated. "We are excited to join C&B as we broaden our reach and bring that same expertise and commitment to a wider group of customers. This next chapter allows us to build on our strong foundation while creating new opportunities for continued growth."

The integration provides Assurance Media access to Cook & Boardman's vast network of over 80 locations, extensive product catalog, and a diverse client base that includes healthcare, education, and government facilities. This national backing will empower the local team to take on larger, more complex projects while continuing to serve its core regional market.

The Convergence of Building Technology

This acquisition is more than just a business transaction; it is a reflection of a profound technological shift in the building management industry. The era of siloed systems—where door locks, cameras, alarms, and IT networks operate independently—is rapidly coming to an end. Today, the market demands integrated solutions that combine physical security, low-voltage cabling, audiovisual systems, and network infrastructure into a single, intelligent platform.

Cook & Boardman is positioning itself at the forefront of this convergence. The company’s portfolio already spans the full spectrum of building access and security. The addition of Assurance Media's deep expertise in structured cabling and A/V systems—the digital backbone of modern buildings—further strengthens its ability to deliver holistic, end-to-end solutions for smart buildings.

This integrated approach is critical in a market experiencing explosive growth, driven by heightened security concerns and the proliferation of IoT devices. By offering a one-stop-shop for everything from the door frame to the data center, Cook & Boardman is making a strategic play to outmaneuver competitors in the bustling Mid-Atlantic region and establish itself as the indispensable partner for modern facility management.

Charting a Course for Integrated Growth

While the synergy appears strong on paper, the success of the acquisition will hinge on effective post-merger integration. Merging the entrepreneurial, tight-knit culture of a company like Assurance Media with a large national corporation like Cook & Boardman presents both challenges and opportunities. Preserving the local team's agility and customer-centric focus while integrating them into broader corporate processes will be key.

The retention of key talent and the seamless alignment of IT and operational systems are critical hurdles that must be managed to maintain service consistency and customer trust during the transition. However, the stated plan to maintain the Assurance Media brand and leadership suggests a thoughtful approach to this integration, prioritizing continuity.

Ultimately, this move solidifies Cook & Boardman's position as a dominant force in the security solutions industry. By combining its national scale and resources with the specialized expertise and local reputation of Assurance Media, the company is not just expanding its map but is actively defining the future of integrated building security, where every component works together to create safer, smarter, and more efficient environments.