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2007 was an Active Year for Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships.
The biggest headline came in September 2007 from CBS with its purchase of SignStorey, the 1400 store supermarket network for $71.5 million. SignStorey has been renamed CBS Outernet and expands CBS’s reach to include several nationwide chains which include Pathmark, Shaws, Albertsons, Acme, and Price Chopper. CBS and SignStorey had been in partnership prior to the CBS acquisition as a premier provider of custom content to SignStorey’s network. SignStorey had acquired Captive Audience, LLC in April 2007 adding ShopRite and Big Y stores before CBS was in the picture.
In May 2007, Helius Inc, the Utah-based provider of digital signage and IP video solutions acquired PointCast, a leading provider of rapid-communications and online training solutions. Helius was just bought by Hughes Communications, one of the largest providers of satellite communications, with an announcement released on January 2, 2008.
Netkey acquired Webpavement in August 2007 broadening Netkey’s service offerings across kiosks and digital signage markets. August also brought the acquisition of McGill Digital Solutions, a Canadian-based provider of custom interactive software and content development by Wireless Ronin expanding their service offerings.
Swiss-based Neo Advertising has been on a buying spree, fresh after its acquisition of Canadian-based DAN Media in October 2006, Neo announced it is acquiring POSTV, the leading in-store media network based in the Netherlands. Also in overseas news, The Mood Media Group, one of the largest providers of sensory marketing solutions which includes music, scent, and visual content announced the acquisition of Alcas Holdings. Alcas is one of the largest providers of in-store music across Belgium, Netherlands, Luxemmburg, and Germany.
Powerstar International, a Canadian-based provider of wireless services and digital signage expanded its reach with the acquisition of Skyboard Corporation. Skyboard is a leading provider of digital billboards across Canada. The acquision makes Powerstar the largest provider of outdoor digital signage in the Canadian market.
In partnership news Seattle-based Impart Media Group and SeeSaw Networks announced a strategic partnership. The partnership provides SeeSaw Networks access to Impart’s network of airports, hotels, and retail locations.