During their time at Inner Circle Distribution, Freed, Duncan and Mass, all of whom have previous work experience at Martin US, emerged as key players in the US rental market.
Inner Circle Distribution has been involved in the entertainment industry since 2005 as a distributor of primarily moving head lights throughout the USA, Canada and the Caribbean.
"Through this agreement, a circle has been closed (no pun intended) as all three owners have worked for Martin in the past, effectively earning their stripes here," stated Brian Friborg, president of Martin Professional's Florida-based US subsidiary. "We are very happy that we have succeeded in concluding this deal, but are even more ecstatic at the prospects it entails. Combining such well-connected and knowledgeable guys with the best and broadest product portfolio in the market, I think it's safe to say we have a winner."
Christian Engsted, CEO of Martin Professional A/S, stated, "As communicated to the industry previously, this move is in line with our strategy to drive top line growth in the US. At Martin, we strongly believe in performing well in every aspect of our business and are continually looking for areas to improve upon. We saw such an opportunity here.
"One of the synergies of this agreement from a Martin point of view is the increased leverage of the Martin brand going forward, as one of the great abilities of ICD is to identify, connect and maintain good relationships with the top decision makers in the industry, as well as their deep insight into future product requirements. Combining this with our R&D technology base and global reach will provide our customers with exciting ways to create new stage designs and new event experiences."
Freed, Duncan and Mass will begin working from Martin US's Sunrise, Florida sales office by the end of June.
Nick Freed, president of ICD, commented on the agreement, "Having begun our careers in the lighting industry with Martin Professional, Noel, Gary, and I are very familiar with the level of excellence to which Martin holds itself. Our goal with ICD was always to simulate that atmosphere.
"In the past few years, the professional lighting market has changed significantly. Lighting vendors must choose their investments not only with financial consideration but with the comfort of knowing a supplier is working to create business as a partner, which they must have the means to do both financially and intellectually. We feel this new team makes tremendous sense and will be the absolute best in the industry in every aspect."
(Jim Evans)
