3M to Acquire Mercury Online Solutions Inc.; Digital
Jul 25, 2005 4:16 PM
3M announced today it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Mercury Online Inc., 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 near 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 Inc.’s 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 Inc. offers industry-leading network reliability, a portfolio of proprietary hardware, and the entire suite of FRED brand software products. In addition, Mercury Online Solutions
Inc. 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 Inc.’s 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 Inc. “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.
