The Videocom division of The Vitec Group plc today announces its acceptance of HME’s offer to acquire Clear-Com Communication Systems, its business unit that provides mission-critical voice communication systems for broadcast, live performance, military, federal government and professional audio markets.
HME, a privatelyheld company based in Poway, California, is a pioneer of digital wireless intercom solutions for restaurant, hospitality, pro sports and pro audio markets. HME’s world-renowned expertise in wireless intercom technology and deep knowledge of the intercom market will provide Clear- Com greater access to a wider range of complementary communication solutions, economies of scale in product development and manufacturing operations. Clear-Com will continue operation as a wholly-owned business within HME.
The Vitec Group in the last 10+ years, has been supporting Clear-Com growth with industry leading new product investments and technology acquisitions such as the ground-breaking, patent-pending I.V.Core Intercom-over-IP technology from Talkdynamics. In addition, Clear- Com today shares many common customers with some of Vitec Group’s market-leading brands such as Vinten, Sachtler and Bexel. After this transition, Clear-Com will continue to advance these relationships and offer even more added value to this existing customer base.
“The Clear-Com business is poised to further accelerate its growth with its leadership in TDM Matrix and integrated IP and wireless solution. Together with HME they will form a major powerhouse in the intercom and voice communication industry” said Joop Janssen, CEO of the The Vitec Group Videocom Division. “HME is best positioned to provide Clear-Com with additional key technology advantages in wireless, greater market reach, and simply bigger critical mass in terms of operations and manufacturing.”
“This opportunity to combine forces with the best-known brand Clear-Com came at a perfect time,” said Chuck Miyahira, CEO of HME. “We have been looking to expand our pro audio business with a partner who brought a range of intercom experience and market knowledge that would compliment ours. And Clear-Com was clearly a natural fit for HME.”
ABOUT VITEC GROUP
Vitec is an international group principally serving customers in the broadcast, photographic and Military, Aerospace and Government (MAG) markets. Vitec is based on strong, well known premium brands on which its customers worldwide rely. Vitec is organised in three divisions: Videocom, Imaging & Staging and Services.
Videocom designs and distributes systems and products used in broadcasting and live entertainment, film and video production, and MAG.
Imaging & Staging designs, manufactures and distributes equipment and accessories for professionals and keen amateurs in photography, video and events.
Services provides equipment rental, workflow design and technical support for camera, video, audio, fibre optic and wireless, technology used by TV production teams and film crews.
More information can be found at www.vitecgroup.com
ABOUT CLEAR-COM
Clear-Com® is the global leader of professional communication solutions for broadcast, live performance, military, government and commercial markets. For more than 40 years, Clear- Com’s signature products such as Encore Party-line, Eclipse Digital Matrix, CellCom®/FreeSpeak® Wireless and IP Communications systems have revolutionized broadcast stations, production trucks, houses of worship and performance venues. Recognizing Clear- Com for its history of intercom innovation, production teams around the world achieve ubiquitous communication with products to promote easy interoperability and global connectivity. More information can be found at www.clearcom.com.
ABOUT HM ELECTRONICS, INC. (HME)
Founded in 1971, HME is an innovative technology company focused on enhancing productivity and customer service for multiple markets including restaurant and pro audio. As the pioneer of the first wireless intercom for the pro audio industry as well as the first wireless headset system for the drive-thru quick service restaurant market, HME delivers the most comprehensive and customer focused solutions to businesses worldwide. For more information on HME’s products or distributors, please call (800) 848-4468 or visit www.hme.com.