News

Kiosk vendor buys digital-signage company

June 1, 2003

SEATTLE -- Mercury Online Solutions Inc. will on June 30, 2003, acquire the products and other assets of Fred Systems Ltd., Waterloo, Ont., Canada.

"Fred Systems is one of the early innovators of the digital signage industry and we've always enjoyed a collaborative and supportive relationship," said John Eisenhauer, president of Mercury Online Solutions. "This move is simply a logical merging of two industry leaders into a unified company to more efficiently and effectively meet client and industry needs." Terms were not disclosed.

The agreement positions Mercury Online Solutions as an end-to-end provider of a range of networked digital signage solutions. Mercury will now offer everything from a single point-of-purchase sign, with the software to run it, to networks of thousands of interactive kiosks and digital displays.

"Fred Systems has been instrumental in expanding the market while simultaneously growing as a company for 10 years," said John Kirkpatrick, president and CEO of Fred Systems. "Joining Mercury Online Solutions is the next step in supporting our clients and contributing to the industry at a critical time."

According to CAP Ventures, a consulting and market research firm, the digital signage industry is poised for substantial growth over the next five years.

Fred Systems clients are located in 23 countries in industries including retail, banking and entertainment.

The complete line of Fred System products, including Inspire network software suite, Millenium multichannel players, HDSN high-definition players and FredXpress content, storage and delivery, will be supported and marketed through Mercury Online Solutions following the merger.