At the end of April 2016 Barco purchased show control specialist Medialon. In an exclusive Q&A with InAVate magazine Alex Carru, general manager of Medialon division at Barco, reveals some of the facts behind the deal.
What does the addition of Medialon technology/expertise allow Barco to do that it couldn’t before in terms of a wider technology offering?
The acquisition of Medialon is a perfect fit with Barco's strategy of expanding its position in networked AV.
Once an AV signal is translated into an IP signal, the number of devices it can interact with increases enormously. To manage all this in an orderly fashion, we need to step into the device control layer. With Medialon's extensive experience in the control system market, we have added a team to Barco that can deliver this capability and will strengthen our networked AV portfolio.
Why did Medialon decide to sell to Barco?
Since we started the development of Overture, our enterprise class audio-visual control solution, we knew that teaming up with an industrial partner well implanted in corporate AV would be necessary to speed up both development and time to market.
We believe the market is changing rapidly with the rise of audio and video over IT and control as well as many other branch of AV will be disrupted. We found in Barco the ideal partner to be a successful part of that revolution.
Furthermore, our legacy business, the Show Control, fits perfectly with Barco entertainment and staging market. The match could not be better.
Will the acquisition open up new geographic or vertical markets for Barco?
No, Medialon will further enhance the Barco offering in existing geographies and vertical markets.
What can Medialon customers expect in terms of future product development under Barco?
Further synergies and common product roadmaps are being investigated.
Will the Medialon brand remain?
The Medialon brand remains in place for the Show Control products on product line level, more information will be communicated in due time.
Are the current Medialon management team remaining in place?
Yes, the current Medialon management team remains in place.
Will there be any changes to the Medialon distribution channel?
For Show Control, the existing distribution channel is key to our success and remains in place. The merger is strengthening the Medialon sales channel to support further growth initiatives.
Is any consolidation of job roles or premises planned?
The current facility in Coral Gables, Miami will be closed down. The R&D team moves to Montreal, joining the X20 colleagues. The assembly activities are inserted in the existing Barco facility in Duluth.