Barco has acquired Folsom Research based in Sacramento, CA. According to Barco, the new entity, now known as Barco-Folsom, LLC, will combine their core strengths to provide technology leadership through continued investment in R&D and building long-term strategic alliances with rental and staging partners.
Folsom, which employs 75 associates, has $16.5 million in sales and a book-to-bill ratio larger than 1.
Folsom's product lines cover solutions for image processing, image communication and image functionality and interactivity. In these dedicated markets, Folsom has a 30 percent share in the U.S. and 17 percent worldwide. As Barco has previously held a 4 percent market share in these segments, the acquisition is, according to Barco, a leap forward for Barco in providing total solutions beyond displays-only functionalities.
The largest part of Folsom's sales are realized in the events (rental and staging) market, which makes it a match for Barco. Barco has a hold on two segments of this market with its LED displays and its large venue projectors. The acquisition of Folsom also allows Barco the opportunity to become an important player in the market segment of solutions beyond displays, thus enabling additional growth in the events market.
Since Folsom is also active in radar, presentation and simulation applications, this acquisition allows for synergies with other business units of Barco, as well.
Folsom Research
www.folsom.com
