3M Acquires Mercury Online Solutions

Aug 2, 2005 8:00 AM

3M has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Mercury Online Solutions, a provider of hardware and software technologies and network management services for digital signage and interactive kiosk networks. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Digital signage networks enable centrally controlled delivery of digital content to vast networks of display screens and interactive kiosks. The trend toward in-store digital signage networks is accelerating, driven by the desire to improve shopping experiences and influence purchase decisions by providing relevant information and promotional messaging nearer to the product shelf where purchase decisions are made.

This acquisition accelerates 3M's entry into the rapidly growing digital signage network marketplace. "The addition of Mercury Online Solutions' digital signage networks is a natural extension of 3M's existing graphics business and allows us to use our global services platform," says Robert Doughty, division vice president, 3M Commercial Graphics Division.

Mercury Online Solutions offers industry-leading network reliability, a portfolio of proprietary hardware, and the entire suite of FRED brand software products. In addition, it provides an array of network design and management services, including system consulting and design; implementation, monitoring, and remote diagnostics; technical support and service; and content hosting.

"Mercury Online Solutions' industry leadership, along with the quantity, variety, and geographic diversity of the present digital signage opportunities, indicate that the industry has outgrown its founders," says John Eisenhauer, president and founder, Mercury Online Solutions. "3M's global reach and commitment to innovation will drive a dramatic and positive evolution within the industry based on synergies in our skills, processes, values, and vision."

The acquisition is expected to close in August subject to customary closing conditions.

For more information, visit www.3m.com or www.mercuryonline.com.