ETC Acquires Theatrical Fixture and Console Company, High End Systems
Founded in the 1970's by a DJ, musician and a photographer, High End Systems claims to be one of the world's largest entertainment lighting manufacturers, a pioneer in new digital lighting technology and producer of the industry-preferred lighting controller technology.
- In addition to broadening its offering in theatrical and broadcast markets, this move bolsters ETC's capabilities in the events, rental and staging markets.
- High End Systems was an independent company acquired in June 2008 by Belgium-based Barco, Inc. for $55M.
- Barco, Inc. sells High End to ETC effective March 31, 2017. Financial details were not disclosed.
Here's the press release:
ETC and High End Systems announce that they are joining forces as ETC completes the acquisition of the Austin, TX based company from Barco Inc. “We welcome the High End team to the ETC family. ETC will provide a strong support structure for High End to continue to innovate and make great products for the industry,” says ETC CEO Fred Foster.
High End is known for dynamic products such as the Sola family of all-LED automated fixtures, and Wholehog consoles. David Lincecum, VP of Marketing at ETC says, “We value the High End products and plan to expand work on their portfolio. We want customers to know that ETC will protect your investment in High End products through strengthened service, support, and development.”
The addition of High End enables ETC, a current market leader in the theatrical, broadcast and architectural markets, to broaden its strategic focus and pursue additional desired areas of technology growth. High End gains the oversight of an experienced lighting industry management team to help the company better realize its full potential as a market leader in event lighting.
ETC will operate High End as a separate company located in its current Austin, TX facility. High End customers will continue to contact the Austin office for sales and service, and sales distribution channels worldwide remain the same for the foreseeable future.