Freeman Acquires AVT Event Technologies

Freeman Acquires AVT Event Technologies

Face-to-face event leader to leverage trend, opportunities in hotel event market

DALLAS, Feb. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Freeman announced today that it has acquired AVT Event Technologies, a leading in-house audio visual provider to hotels in the U.S.

AVT is based in Arlington Heights, a Chicago suburb. Founded in 2000, AVT services 21 hotels in such major chains as Hyatt Hotels Corp. and Hilton Hotels Corp. With more than 200 employees, the company offers full-service audio visual, lighting, staging and production capabilities through on-site operations that work in tandem with facility staff to produce events of all sizes held in the facility.

Freeman said the purchase follows its corporate strategy of continuing to invest long-term in the face-to-face industry where there is opportunity for growth. According to industry reports, with the recent change in the economy and some reduced travel to national events, there is an upswing in holding regional meetings, often at hotels.

"In today's turbulent times, all companies are doing what they can to reduce short-term business impact, but at the same time, we continue to look for opportunities to add value for our clients," said Joe Popolo, chief executive officer of Freeman. "AVT has demonstrated they are the technology and creative leader in their space. With the addition of AVT to Freeman's resources, we are positioning Freeman for additional growth in an important segment of the face-to-face industry."

Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

AVT's business model and culture are a good match for Freeman, Popolo added.

"Like Freeman, AVT is privately owned," Popolo said. "They are regarded as leaders in their field, and also have a reputation for outstanding customer service. Their employees understand the value of partnering with customers."

As part of Freeman, AVT will be known as AVT Event Technologies, a Freeman Company. AVT's executive leadership team will remain in place to manage operations and customer relationships independently of Freeman. Within the Freeman organization, AVT will report to Ken Sanders, president of the U.S. audio visual division.

"AVT has a strong executive team under the guidance of Martin Kwitschau, the company founder and a 30-year veteran of the hospitality meetings industry," said Sanders. "AVT is recognized both for innovative products and the five-star service that distinguish the company from others in the field. The acquisition brings additional depth to Freeman, and likewise, AVT's clients will now have seamless access to the vast event resources that Freeman can provide."

"Becoming a Freeman company is a wise move for AVT," said Kwitschau, chief executive officer of AVT Event Technologies. "Freeman is viewed by its customers as the premier supplier in the face-to-face industry. As part of Freeman, AVT will leverage its own premium reputation and service offerings to expand Freeman's reach into the hospitality marketplace. We are very excited to be part of a team with the industry experience and depth that Freeman has," he said.

Longtime AVT customers believe the Freeman and AVT combination will be a winning one.

"We have worked with Freeman in many capacities through the years, as well as on a large scale with AVT. Having a company of Freeman's stature invest in hotel event services to this extent is a very positive sign for the hotel industry," said Michael Robertson, hotel manager of the Beverly Hilton.

Prior to AVT, Freeman's most recent acquisition was the purchase of ProActive Inc. in April 2007.

Freeman (www.freemanco.com) is the world's leading provider of integrated services for face-to-face marketing events, including expositions, conventions, corporate events and exhibits. Clients engage Freeman for strategic counsel, creative development and on-site logistics execution for face-to-face events of all sizes. With 41 offices in North America, Freeman produces more than 4,300 expositions annually, including 103 of the largest 200 U.S. trade shows, and more than 11,000 other events worldwide. The company has received numerous awards recognizing outstanding efforts in industry leadership, creative design, community service, innovation and customer-driven partnerships.

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Source: Freeman

CONTACT: Ellen Beckert of Freeman, +1-214-445-1151,
ellen.beckert@freemanco.com

Web Site: http://www.freemanco.com/

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Profile: International Entertainment