Barco has announced the acquisition of digital lighting specialists High End Systems for $55,000,000. Texas-based High End Systems manufactures automated luminaires, digital lighting and digital controls. HES will be fully integrated into Barco’s Media and Entertainment division.
The company says that with the growing convergence of lighting and video technologies, the acquisition of
High End Systems is a merger of two strong industry players and as a combined force it
will hold a leading position in this converged digital video and lighting space. Stephan Paridaen, President of Barco’s
Media and Entertainment division stated: “We are proud and excited about joining forces with the leading player
in the digital lighting market. High End’s differentiated product line-up and recent product introductions are clearly proof
of their market-led vision and strong R&D focus. We look forward to introduction many new exciting products
into the converged lighting/video space together.â€
The acquisition furthers Barco’s stated goal of being the preferred technology partner
to the global events industry through customer intimacy and technology leadership. It achieves this both by leveraging
High End Systems existing distribution channels and by acquiring its technology patents in the lighting and lighting control space.