rAVe Scoop: AVI-SPL to Acquire Duocom Canada

January 4, 2013 - ProAV News, rAVe [PUBS],

rAVe has learned that, although it’s not being announced until next week, AVI-SPL will announce they are buying Duocom Canada, giving AVI-SPL an immediate presence in Canada. We know this to be true as we have several insiders who have told us about the deal — even though the contract signatures likely aren’t dry yet.

Founded in 1974, Duocom became Canada’s leader in audiovisual products and services, recognized for its successful large scale projects, quality of work and attention to detail. In July 2011, Duocom was acquired by Duologik, an IT integrator based in Ontario.

As you likely already know, AVI-SPL was started in 1979 as Audio Visual Innovations selling Kroy Lettering Machines from founder Martin Schaffel’s apartment, a personal friend of Gary Kayye, rAVe’s Founder. Back then, the lettering machine was a sophisticated tool that created effective and efficient communications for architecture and engineering firms. Now 30 years later, AVI-SPL is well known to be the largest AV company in the USA and this expansion into Canada will be their first international office offering both sales and systems design.

Of course, since this announcement isn’t supposed to be known by anyone in AV until next week, neither company would comment on our scoop. But, we’ve been told it’s a done deal.

AVI-SPL is here: http://www.avispl.com

Duocom Canada is here: http://www.duocom.ca

Update: AVI-SPL announced its expansion into Canada as well as the UK. Below is the press release.

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AVI-SPL Expands International Presence With New Offices in the UK and Canada

TAMPA, Fla., — January 8, 2013 — AVI-SPL, the world’s leading video communications partner, is pleased to announce further international expansion with the opening of four new offices outside the U.S., including London, Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto.

“AVI-SPL is committed to being a truly global provider,” said AVI-SPL CEO John Zettel. “Today’s companies operate around the world so we’re growing our footprint to keep pace with their needs wherever they are, while providing the highest level of video communications service.”

AVI-SPL has launched European operations with headquarters in the UK. Leading operations as managing director is James Shanks, an industry expert with strong leadership experience in the unified communications market in Europe.

“The UK office will operate independently but will benefit from access to AVI-SPL’s global resources,” said Shanks. “With AVI-SPL’s financial stability, strong vendor relationships, and rich capabilities in managed services, we’re confident about the future of our business in Europe.”

AVI-SPL has also added operations in Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto through the acquisition of selected assets from audio video and information technology firm Duocom. Industry veteran and recognized IT business leader Zoreena Abas will lead AVI-SPL’s eastern Canada offices. With this addition, AVI-SPL now operates in five Canadian cities which also include Calgary and Vancouver.

“I’m excited to join the AVI-SPL team as the company strategically positions itself for rapid growth outside of the U.S.,” said Zoreena Abas, managing director, AVI-SPL. “AVI-SPL’s excellent reputation and breadth of services and expertise will allow us to reach our goal of becoming number one in Canada.”

The new UK and Canada offices are staffed with solution architects, engineers, project managers, and installation and service technicians. AVI-SPL’s VNOC Symphony software platform and Customer Care International Help Desk will also be a part of the UK operations.

AVI-SPL’s new operations in the UK and Canada will offer complete video communications solutions from design and integration to ongoing support. This includes solutions from video collaboration and conferencing support, to digital media and signage, advanced 3D visualization, advanced audio engineering, and command and control centers.

“It’s strategic moves like this that make AVI-SPL a leader in the industry,” said Rob Arnold, senior analyst at Frost & Sullivan. “Last year’s acquisition of Iformata added VNOC services which strengthen AVI-SPL’s managed service offering.They’ve built upon that to take a significant step towards expanding internationally in order to meet customer demands for high quality video solutions backed by locally provided support and services.”

“The expansion of our geographic footprint reinforces our overall sales growth strategy. AVI-SPL’s new international offices will be supported by our sales operations teams just like the rest of our offices,” said Don Mastro, executive vice president of sales. “Starting off the year with four new international offices is very exciting and we’re looking forward to a big year.”

AVI-SPL will exhibit at ISE January 29-31, 2013 in Amsterdam RAI, NL. To learn more, visit www.iseurope.org.