“With this acquisition we continue to create a strong base and enhance our leadership position in the entertainment and architectural lighting industry,” said Martin president and CEO Christian Engsted (pictured, left). “R&D International’s substantial competencies in the areas of media servers, lighting control and system integration, as well as communication standards provide a technology platform that will enable us to redefine how to control and communicate with lighting fixtures and other facility infrastructure while maintaining focus on the human interface.
“With light and video continuing to merge, and the digitisation of lighting and light sources such as LED moving forward, the synergies brought about by this acquisition will allow us to expand into the video industry more quickly and on a wider scale.”
A consequence of the acquisition is that Martin can now directly manage the development of content media servers, lighting desks and LED control. “We have high expectations for this acquisition and expect to launch a number of new products and industry firsts,” added Engsted.
“This acquisition consolidates Martin Professional’s commitment to the LED market,” Tony Browne, Martin Professional plc managing director, told II. “We’ve worked with R&D International since 1995, and we were close to them before – but now we’ll be even closer. Having full ownership gives us complete control and direction.”
Browne added that he expects the move to strengthen Martin’s offer within retail applications in particular, where the company’s architectural and commercial product lines are in demand. “There are huge opportunities in high street retail,” he said. “This acquisition will enable us to react much more quickly to developments in that market.”
New markets are on the horizon, added Engsted: “The acquisition also opens the door to new markets that require easy control of communication, among them the advertising industry, corporate branding and media entertainment.”
Ferdinand Philipsen, R&D International managing director (pictured, right) said his company was “thrilled” about the acquisition, which he described as “a win-win for R&D International and Martin.” He continued: “As part of a larger organisation, the synergies created will positively affect the development process from idea conception to production. We look forward to working even closer together.”
