Badlands acquires Cosmic Fischer, expands electronic security offerings

NEW YORK—The Badlands Security Co. has acquired Cosmic Fischer, a New York City-based commercial security integrator, marking the second acquisition for the platform since its launch earlier this year.

Backed by Tucker’s Farm Corp., Badlands was formed in February 2025 alongside the acquisition of Webster Lock and Hardware Co., one of the largest family-owned locksmith operations in the United States. The addition of Cosmic Fischer expands the platform's capabilities from mechanical security and door hardware into electronic access control, video surveillance and intercom systems.

Cosmic Fischer traces its roots to 1968, when Fischer Locksmiths was founded. Under the leadership of Aaron Vaknin, Fischer Locksmiths and Cosmic Doors were combined to form Cosmic Fischer. Today, the company designs, installs and services doors and storefronts, locks and hardware, access control systems, surveillance solutions, intercoms and gates for commercial property owners, managing agents and institutional clients throughout New York City's five boroughs, as well as select projects nationwide.

The company will continue operating under the Cosmic Fischer name from its Manhattan headquarters. Stephen Vaknin, who has been with the business for more than 11 years and has led operations for the past six, will remain CEO.

“Cosmic Fischer has been a family business since 1968,” Vaknin said. “We were selective about who we would trust to move the business into the future. Badlands understands our industry and our business approach that has inspired customer loyalty. Joining the platform gives our technicians better tools, our customers a deeper bench, and our team the capacity to take on larger projects than we could pursue on our own.”

Badlands CEO Daniel Balzora said the acquisition strengthens the company's ability to provide both physical and electronic security solutions through a single provider.

“Customers want one partner for both the hardware in the door and the system that controls it,” Balzora said. “With Webster and Cosmic, Badlands now delivers both, and Cosmic brings a team that has been doing this work in New York for decades.”

Balzora added that Badlands continues to pursue additional acquisitions as it builds out the platform.

Vaupen Financial Advisors served as financial advisor to Cosmic Fischer, while Strauss Troy Co., LPA provided legal counsel. Quilvest Capital Partners served as debt financing partner to Badlands, and Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP acted as legal counsel to the buyer. Terms were not disclosed.