Barco and Unilumin add technology and innovation to boost the global LED screen business

The Belgian manufacturer has acquired the 5% from chinese supplier; a joint strategic operation to, respectively, acquire experience in the development of Led visual systems and gain positions in high-end market segments, such as direct vision cinema LED screens..

This strategic collaboration between Barco y Unilumin has materialized after Mingfeng Lin, CEO of Unilumin and its main shareholder, signed an agreement last 9 September with the intention of transferring to Barco a share of the 5% of the company for about 54 million euros, ensuring a cost competitive supply of high quality Led display components.

Since its foundation in 2004, Unilumin has established itself as one of the largest suppliers of screens with cutting-edge LED technology, with a business that currently covers 160 countries. Taking advantage of Barco's technical advantages and knowledge in image and video processing, With this agreement, the Chinese manufacturer has found a way to expand its business in the control room market, AR/VR, medical care and high-end Led screens, with a special focus on the film market.

At the same time, and according to the statement from both companies, Barco would benefit from Unilumin's competencies in display design, smart manufacturing and NPP technology with Led technology.

Specifically, Barco and Unilumin will combine their competencies and cooperate in the joint development of high-end Led display solutions, especially in the film market, with direct vision systems without projector. As a manufacturer of digital cinema projectors, Barco has achieved a share in the total market of 50% of the installed base, and this innovation would mean competing in this environment with Samsung and its Led Onyx screen.

For this reason, Both companies will complement their technologies and work together on innovation and development of new products, combining Unilumin's capabilities to produce high volumes of quality Led products, with Barco's Led imaging experience.

“Barco's heritage includes some of the most impressive custom LED installations in the world,” said Jan De Witte., CEO of Barco-. However, Led technology continues to develop at a rapid pace and is beginning to open up interesting opportunities in major entertainment and business markets.. With this association, We are strengthening our global competitive game as we further expand our hardware+software+services proposition’ towards these target markets”.

In this line, Mingfeng Lin, Unilumin CEO, adds that “Barco is our route to the high-end market, offering access to a broader, global audience. This cooperation also allows us to take advantage of Barco's image processing capabilities in Led solutions.. “The mutual understanding of our strengths will result in a win-to-win opportunity and a beneficial long-term partnership for our clients.”.