"Operating as a manufacturer and a rental company was confusing to the industry, and it limited the growth prospects of both our Vari*Lite manufacturing and sales division and VLPS Lighting Services, our rental division," said Rusty Brutsché, chairman and CEO of Vari-Lite International, Inc. "In order for both divisions to achieve their maximum potential, there had to be a clear separation of the two. This transaction allows VLPS Lighting Services to operate independently and to focus on its core competency, lighting rental and production services."
"We saw this as an opportunity to add an established industry leader to the Genlyte Thomas Group," said Larry Powers, CEO of Genlyte Thomas Group: "Vari-Lite is the pioneer of the automated lighting industry. By capitalizing on our manufacturing strengths, we believe we can effectively integrate the Vari*Lite brand into our respected family of lighting businesses."
Vari-Lite has always been committed to raising the bar for expectations of automated lighting products. In the past year, Vari-Lite has produced the award-winning VL1000 ERS luminaire, which has quickly become a workhorse fixture in the industry. Last month, the company introduced its line of 1200W luminaires, the Series 3000 family of products, which received rave reviews among industry decision-makers at both the PLASA and LDI trade shows.
"The acquisition of Vari-Lite strengthens our position in the entertainment lighting market," said Steven Carson, vice-president and general manager of Genlyte Controls Division. "And it is consistent with our strategy to develop the most advanced and sophisticated tools for the lighting industry and to provide lighting professionals with innovative and leading-edge lighting products."
Vari-Lite International Inc will ultimately change its name to VLPS Lighting Services International, Inc to further reflect the company's continued commitment to provide lighting systems and services to the entertainment industry.
(Lee Baldock)
