Merge Ahead: Recent Acquisitions in the Sign Industry

MAYBE THEY’RE BEING promoted more than in the recent past, but it sure seems as though a lot of mergers and acquisitions are happening in the sign industry. While most previously involved manufacturers, lately a high-profile supplier and several sign company mergers have come to light.

One could analyze this as the natural progression of a maturing industry and that may very well be so. We asked our Brain Squad about their experiences in general with companies they’ve worked with that have merged (see page 40). At 30% a plurality responded “slightly more negative.” Both this and the “much more negative” options outnumbered “slightly more positive” and “much more positive” by more than 3 to 1.

Most concern from those not thrilled with all the M&A centers on the reduction of competition, fewer specific supply options, a downgrade of service and more. On the other hand, several also expressed approval of mergers when the company can do the job more efficiently, more quickly and with expanded or improved support.

Another concern, not so much expressed by the squad (owners and top managers), is that of the rank-and-file employees. Our Real Deal scenario imagines the inner monologue of a department manager in a sign company that is being acquired (see page 38). From keeping their jobs to changing the way of doing things, employees have plenty to worry about.

We’d like to hear about your experiences either with a company that has recently merged or as a member of an acquired or acquiring company. Drop a line to [email protected].