Stampede Gets into Videoconferencing
Stampede, a value-added distributor of professional audio/video solutions, acquired Spire Global, the exclusive distributor of Sony videoconferencing products in the United States.
Stampede, a value-added distributor of professional audio/video solutions, acquired Spire Global, the exclusive distributor of Sony videoconferencing products in the United States. Spire is also the exclusive master distributor for Compunetix video multiparty control units and MediaPointe video streaming technology. The company also distributes Mirial desktop video conferencing products.
“Acquiring Spire was a great opportunity to widen our product portfolio with an additional specialty that is meaningful to our dealer base,” said Mark Wilkins, CEO of Stampede, in a statement. “Our strategy is to look for additional acquisition opportunities that will strengthen our offering to dealers.”
Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. Company officials said Spire will continue to exist as a dedicated business unit. Stampede will maintain a dedicated Sony videoconferencing sales force, with the Spire Global staff acting as product experts to the Stampede sales people and existing accounts.
Product and training classes specific to Sony video conferencing will be offered to dealers at all of Stampede’s upcoming Big Book of AV dealer shows and through Stampede University. The first stop on the Big Book of AV tour is March 18 in Miami (see www.bigbookofavtour.com).
“We are excited about the Spire sales and technical team,” said Kevin Kelly, Stampede president and chief operating officer, in a statement. “Their depth of knowledge will help us to quickly educate the Stampede relationship managers and, in turn, our dealers. We have hundreds of accounts that will benefit from this product line right out of the gate.”
Kirk Fernandez, owner of Spire Global said the company had we surveyed potential partners and chose Stampede for its proactive, outbound-oriented sales force that is accustomed to developing new business opportunities. “This is the skill set Spire needs to really expand the Sony videoconferencing customer base,” Fernandez said.
