August 1, 2024   

Quantum Leap: Cooper Expands Partnership with Utah Rep

2024 quantum lighting acquires ISI North illumination systems montana.jpg

Quantum Lighting Group strikes acquisition deal with neighboring Cooper agent; expands into Montana.

Is Idaho next?

 

Quantum Lighting Group, a Salt Lake City, Utah lighting agency, has expanded its footprint in the western United States through a strategic acquisition. The company, known for its long-standing partnership with Cooper Lighting Solutions, has acquired the assets of Denver-based Illumination Systems Incorporated's North territory, covering primarily the state of Montana. This move signifies an expansion for Quantum Lighting Group into one of the largest yet sparsely populated states in the nation.

The deal between the two neighboring agencies, both of which have represented Cooper Lighting for over 20 years, was characterized as a friendly transfer of territory by a Cooper Lighting spokesperson. On Wednesday, Illumination Systems Principal and General Manager Jack English confirmed the transaction, emphasizing that the sale would enable his agency to concentrate on larger market regions in Colorado, Wyoming, and Arizona. These areas, along with some place called "the Nebraska panhandle" generate the bulk of Illumination Systems' revenue. Illumination Systems Arizona was Cooper Lighting Rep of the Year for the company’s Western Region in 2023.

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Strategic Focus and Transition

English noted that, along with Cooper Lighting, the aim is to transfer representation of most, if not all, of the other manufacturers currently represented by Illumination Systems North to Quantum Lighting Group. Although the exact number of employees expected to transition to Quantum Lighting as part of this acquisition remains unconfirmed, English indicated that multiple employees are anticipated to make the move.

As part of this transition, Illumination Systems is set to inform its customer base and manufacturing partners of the changes on Thursday. Marc Mitchell of Quantum Lighting Group was contacted late Wednesday but did not provide a comment before this article was published.

 

Rocky mountain states map Quantum ISI Cooper.jpegMarket Dynamics in Montana

Montana, while vast in area, ranks as the 4th largest state in the U.S. but is only 48th in population density, with fewer than eight people per square mile. The state's largest city, Billings, is the only urban center with a population exceeding 100,000 people.  The Cooper Lighting website cites a total of three distributor partners in a 50-mile radius of Billings — CED, Platt and Border States.

This demographic landscape presents unique challenges and opportunities for lighting agencies operating in such expansive yet sparsely populated regions.

The terms of the deal between Quantum Lighting Group and Illumination Systems were not disclosed.

 

But wait, there’s more: Idaho in Play

In addition to the Montana transition, Cooper Lighting Solutions has confirmed a significant change in Idaho. The company is ending its long-standing partnership with Idaho Lighting Solutions, its current agent in the state. While Cooper has yet to disclose its plans for a new representative in Idaho, an announcement is anticipated in the coming days or weeks.

Amid the concurrent timing of recent shifts in adjacent territories, there is speculation that Quantum Lighting Group might be poised to expand into Idaho as well. However, this remains unverified. It's important to note that the Idaho territory in question excludes Coeur d'Alene and other parts of northern Idaho, which are serviced by the Spokane, Washington market.

The Inside Lighting I-Team conducted an exhaustive search of state business records in Montana and Idaho, looking for any new business entities registered in the past 180 days that include the terms "Quantum" or "Lighting." The search did not reveal any new business entities seemingly connected to Quantum Lighting Group in either state.

 

 

 




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