Combination creates a world-class portfolio of branded audio-visual mounting and display products; formal press event scheduled for infoComm 2011
Minneapolis – April 15, 2011– Milestone AV Technologies, manufacturer of Chief and Sanus brand AV mounting and display solutions, and Da-Lite Screen Company, manufacturer of Da-Lite, Projecta and Procolor brand commercial and residential projection screens, today closed their previously announced merger.
The combination of Milestone and Da-Lite creates an industry leader in mounting solutions, AV furniture, and projection screens across both commercial and consumer AV markets. The now united businesses, with nearly 1,000 employees worldwide, have a common culture focused on delivering innovative products supported by superior customer service.
“We are excited to close this transaction, and move forward together bringing even more value to our customers while providing expanded growth opportunities for our employees” said Scott Gill, CEO of Milestone AV Technologies.
Da-Lite will continue to be based in Warsaw, Ind., as an operating subsidiary of Milestone, and under the leadership of current President Richard Lundin.
A formal press event regarding the merger will be scheduled for the infoComm 2011 tradeshow in Orlando, Fla., in June.
About Da-Lite Screen Company
Founded in 1909, Da-Lite Screen Company is the leading producer of high quality commercial and residential projection screens worldwide. With headquarters in Warsaw, Indiana and additional operations in the U.S. and Europe, Da-Lite manufactures projection screens and accessories for Fortune 500 companies, entertainment and major broadcast networks, education systems and governments around the globe. Today Da-Lite’s proprietary screen technologies are specified for the most demanding installations from military training simulators to boardrooms and classrooms to home theaters. Da-Lite has become the “First Name in Projection Screens.” For more information, please visit da-lite.com.
About Milestone AV Technologies
Milestone AV Technologies, a Duchossois Group Company, is a leading designer, marketer and distributor of branded audio-visual mounting equipment and display solutions for flat panel displays, projectors, AV furniture, and speakers to both the consumer and the commercial markets. Our innovative products, sold principally under the Chief and Sanus brands, are sold through numerous channels, including Pro AV dealers, regional home theater dealers, consumer electronics retailers, mass merchants and original equipment manufacturers. The Company currently serves a broad base of over 4,500 global customers with headquarters in Minnesota. For more information, please visit milestone.com.
-###-
FROM: Padilla Speer Beardsley Inc.1101 West River Parkway Minneapolis, MN 55415
CONTACTS: Al Galgano/Dave Heinsch (612) 455-1720/ (612) 455-1768 agalgano@psbpr.com dheinsch@psbpr.com
FOR: Milestone AV Technologies 8401 Eagle Creek Parkway Savage, MN 55378
CONTACTS: Laurie Englert Corporate Communications Director (952) 277-3858 laurie.englert@milestone.com
A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
Ehren drives Fearing’s technology by continually seeking out trends to enhance capabilities while supporting Sales, Engineering and Installation teams. Throughout his years with Fearing’s, Ehren’s talent and vision have joined forces to create a wide variety of projects and strategic solutions that exceed expectation.
Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.
With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.
By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
Chris has been with Fearing’s for 20 years and in the industry for over 2 decades. As a Certified leader in Sales Acceleration and trained in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems), Chris successfully utilizes his skills to lead the Fearing’s Salesforce. Chris and team are motivated and driven to develop new client partnerships while continuing to reinforce loyal long-term relationships with ongoing Service excellence.
Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
