Williams Sound, a global designer and manufacturer of wireless communication technology, today announced that it has acquired Pointmaker, part of a new strategy to expand the Williams Sound product footprint beyond its traditional audio end markets. Pointmaker is a leading provider of hardware and software for video annotation technology, and will serve as a platform through which Williams Sound will develop new products to serve the larger professional A/V market. In concert with this strategy, three new board members have been added and the holding company will be renamed Williams AV.
“Aligning Williams Sound audio with Pointmaker video is all about synergy, with both companies bringing different, but exceptional, expertise and experience,” said Richard Lough, Williams Sound COO. “We are bringing together two complementary and innovative companies with a similar vision – driving technology that enables communication, strengthens connections, and ultimately inspires collaboration. Referred to as C3 – communication empowered, this newfound synergy readies us to move forward as a stronger force in the A/V marketplace.”
Pat Brey, CEO of Pointmaker, will remain with the company and join the board of directors of Williams AV. “This acquisition provides an exciting growth opportunity and immediately enhances client access to inspired, innovative technology. By combining Williams Sound audio expertise with years of video expertise, we are delivering added value and depth of product offerings. As we move forward, we are mobilizing to capitalize, via forthcoming innovation, on a collaboration market that far exceeds the size of our current individual targets.”
Williams AV has also added two industry veterans to its Board, both with significant expertise in the video market. Rob Sheeley and Tom Mingo are the co-founders of Vaddio, a Minnesota based designer and manufacturer of video equipment used throughout the A/V marketplace. Rob is a serial entrepreneur who holds numerous hardware and software patents, and will assist the team going forward in new product development. Tom formerly led sales for Vaddio, and will assist the company in expanding its sales and marketing efforts to support Williams AV’s next stage of growth.