Astra Holding acquires AB Key, strengthening its Security Platform
Astra Holding is delighted to announce the acquisition of AB Key LLP (“AB Key”), a specialist provider of maintenance services across London and the Southeast. AB Key brings deep expertise across multiple service lines, including but not limited to access control, door entry systems, glazing, CCTV, alarms and automated gates.
For many years, AB Key has supported estates, property managers and developers with the maintenance, repair and installation of key systems and security infrastructure. This partnership marks an important milestone in Astra’s strategy to build a diversified portfolio of profitable UK SMEs that provide essential services to the built environment.
Founded by Rob Douglas and developed over several decades, AB Key has built a strong reputation for responsiveness, technical expertise and reliable delivery. The company works across a large base of multi-occupancy and estate-style properties, combining project work with ongoing maintenance and remedial services. Its long-standing relationships with leading property management companies reflect the quality of its work and the trust it has earned on complex and sensitive sites.
Supporting Specialist Businesses Through Succession
Astra specializes in partnering with and supporting growth of UK based industrial and service businesses. Many of these companies, like AB Key, have been built over decades and play a critical role in keeping buildings safe, compliant and operational. Astra’s approach is to support the growth of these businesses through investments and innovation, while preserving their identity and culture.
Under the new partnership, Astra will work closely with Rob Douglas, Jennifer Fuller and the entire AB Key team to guide strategy, support customer relationships and help drive the next stage of growth.
Sergey Sushentsev, Co-Founder of Astra Holding Group, commented:
" AB Key is exactly the type of specialist, founder-led business Astra is committed to supporting. Rob and the team have built a highly respected, fast-growing facilities management / security business with long standing client relationships. Their focus on reliability, compliance and doing the right thing for residents and property managers has set them apart.
Our role now is to protect that culture while providing the investment and strategic support to help AB Key grow. We are delighted to work with Rob, Jennifer and the entire AB Key team as we begin this next chapter together”
Rob Douglas, Founder of AB Key, said:
"AB Key started as a one-man locksmith service and has grown into a business I am incredibly proud of. As we look ahead, it was crucial to find a partner like Astra who understood not just our financial performance, but the relationships and reputation that sit behind it.
They recognised the strength of our team, the loyalty of our customers and the importance of keeping AB Key’s name and values intact. I am confident Astra will give us the support we need to keep growing, investing in our people and capabilities while staying true to what has made AB Key successful for the last 30 years.”
Astra is excited to bring capital, innovation and talent to help AB Key grow to the benefit of its employees, customers and suppliers. Astra remains committed to supporting UK industrial and services businesses, helping them grow while staying true to their roots.