Cineplex looks to buy EK3 to grow digital signage business

Cineplex Inc. announced its offer to purchase EK3 Technologies Inc. ("EK3"), a London, Ontario-based, in-store digital merchandising provider, with operations in Canada, the United States and other countries.

The initial purchase price is approximately $40 million. In 2010, Cineplex made a similar move when it purchased Digital Display & Communications Inc., an implementer of digital signage networks and associated products and services, which at that time became Cineplex Digital Solutions. 

EK3 designs, installs, manages and consults on some of the largest digital merchandising networks in North America, with networks viewed by more than 1.8 billion shoppers annually. The company has developed proprietary state-of-the-art technology and patented software, and provides creative content production, media sales and extensive network operations services, which delivers digital merchandising networks that are scalable, reliable and secure.

EK3 clients include major retailers, such as Tim Hortons, McDonalds, Walmart, Target, as well as Canadian financial institutions RBC Financial Group and BMO Financial Group.

The acquisition complements Cineplex's existing digital signage business, Cineplex Digital Media ("CDM"), whose clients include Scotiabank, CIBC, SunTrust, Rogers, Oxford Properties, Brookfield office towers and ONroute, among others.

EK3 will be renamed and operate as Cineplex Digital Networks ("CDN"), and will continue to be led by EK3 President and CEO, Nick Prigioniero.

"Cineplex's brand, resources and media sales along with EK3's proprietary technology platform, network management, award-winning creative services and digital merchandising expertise is a powerful combination," said Ellis Jacob, President and CEO, Cineplex Entertainment. "The strengths of CDM and CDN will make us a leader in the indoor digital signage industry and provides a platform for significant growth throughout North America."