The U.S. government gave the Electronic Security Association (ESA), Irving, Texas, a choice seat at the table for establishing the direction of Homeland Security as it involves the nation’s emergency service industry.

Security-Net, Exton, Pa., a global provider of security integration services, announced it elected Joe Liguori as president of its board of directors for the next two years. He replaced Tom Asp who has been president since 2009.

March Networks®, Ottawa, Ontario, a global provider of intelligent IP video solutions, announced that it entered into a definitive agreement with Infinova (Canada) Ltd. and Shenzhen Infinova Ltd., Monmouth Junction, N.J. Per the agreement, Infinova will acquire all shares of March Networks Corp. for C$5.00 per share in cash. The total value of the transaction is approximately C$90.1 million.

Stanley Convergent Security Solutions (Stanley CSS), Naperville, Ill., purchased all the operating assets of AlarmCap, operating under the brand Microtec Security Systems, an alarm company headquartered in Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, Quebec with operations in, Alberta, Ontario, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Quebec, Canada.

In past years, the end of a calendar year signaled “acquisitions season.” As the year ends and companies endeavor to take advantage of much needed tax breaks, the industry typically is flooded with news of mergers and acquisitions (M&A). In recent recession years, this seemed an indication of the security industry’s resilience and ability to thrive while other industries faltered. However, 2011 seemed quieter than others and we set out to find out why, while the industry continues to do well, merger and acquisition activity is down.