TORONTO — Gridcast Media, a provider of digital signage solutions, is entering into its next phase of business growth through its acquisition by one of Canada’s largest visual communications firms, ICON Digital Productions Inc.
ICON’s acquisition of Gridcast, completed May 6th, formalizes a long-running relationship between the companies, and allows them to collectively build business opportunities in the fast-emerging digital signage sector.
ICON is a provider of large-format printing and has been involved with digital signage offerings for several years. Headquartered in suburban Toronto, with offices in Montreal and New York, ICON’s capabilities include 3M Scotchprint Graphics, environmental graphics, retail POP, grand format outdoor banners, vehicle graphics, fabric printing and more. ICON utilizes digital flatbed technology, Lightjet photgraphic imaging, and Vutek roll-to-roll printers.
ICON’s modern, 43,000 sq. foot facility handles wide-scale launch and promotional campaigns for many of the world’s leading brands.
“We are really pleased to offer the services of Gridcast to our clients,” said Peter Evans, one of ICON’s founders. “digital signage and interactive complements static printing in a unique and dynamic way. By adding a moving component, we are able cut through the clutter of a retail environment and allow our clients to draw attention to their brand and ultimately increase sales in store.”
Started in 2005 by Praveen Gupta and Shawn O’Brien, Gridcast Media has quickly developed a strong customer base of media companies and brands, providing custom solutions and managing many projects from the initial strategy stage through to execution and ongoing management. Gridcast’s work can be seen in everything from international airports to major department stores.
Gridcast has developed a particularly rich skill-set and experience base with large format and interactive projection displays — a subset of the digital signage sector still in its early stages but poised for explosive growth as the technology evolves.
As part of the acquisition, a digital signage industry veteran has joined the Gridcast team. Dave Haynes will be formulating Gridcast’s short and long-term business strategy, and driving business development. A well-known industry writer, through his industry blog Sixteen:Nine, Haynes brings a unique range of experiences and insights to Icon and Gridcast.
“I’ve known Praveen and Shawn for several years and always had a lot of respect for their knowledge and energy,” said Haynes, “so when the opportunity presented itself to join the team, it was an easy decision for me. I think this is a very sharp move by Juan and Peter at ICON, and together we can deliver some world-class solutions for clients.”
Gridcast will continue to operate from its primary office, in the Liberty Village area just west of downtown Toronto.
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