3M announced today it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Mercury Online Solutions 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 nearer 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," said 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," said 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.
Forward-Looking Statements
The statements contained in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, including statements regarding 3M's and Mercury Online Solutions Inc.'s expectations, beliefs, hopes, intentions or strategies regarding the future. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are based upon information available to the companies as of the date hereof, and the companies assume no obligation to update any such forward-looking statement.
About Mercury Online Solutions Inc.
A pioneer in the digital signage network industry, Mercury Online Solutions Inc. is a provider of highly reliable, large-scale digital signage network solutions, including dynamic signage and interactive kiosks that build brands and create competitive advantages for businesses and organizations of every size. Based in Bainbridge Island, Wash., it employs approximately 30 people.
About 3M -- A Global, Diversified Technology Company
Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the company's 67,000 people use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation. For more information, including the latest product and technology news, visit www.3M.com.
3M, Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti are trademarks of 3M.
FRED is a trademark of Mercury Online Solutions Inc.
3M, St. PaulMedia Contact:Donna Fleming, 651-736-7646orInvestor Contacts:Mark Colin, 651-733-8206orBruce Jermeland, 651-733-1807
