DGI Communications, a Massachusetts-based audio-visual, technology and print leader has agreed to acquire Connecticut-based audio-visual consulting firm ACT Associates. DGI CEO Mike Walsh remarked, “Our focus on audio visual design, technical innovation, dedicated support and quality execution has led to tremendous national growth over the last five years. Adding the ACT Associates team will not only bring proven consulting expertise to our team, but also a shared passion for innovation, client-focus and on-budget technical solutions. Together we will further our respective positions as sought-after partners for AV and technology solutions, from the boardroom to the classroom to the retail sales floor, across the country.”
As part of the transaction, ACT Associates will retain the ACT Associates name and their objective, client-first philosophy. ACT principal Denette Anthony shared, “Joining DGI will enable ACT to take what we’ve always done, delivering independent designs of unquestionable quality, to a national audience with a supportive partner.” Peter Thompson, another ACT Associates Principal stated, “DGI’s impressive growth, depth of resources and culture really appealed to us. More than anything, they care about details and relationships as passionately as we do.”
In their 2019 state of the industry survey, Commercial Integrator magazine noted a significant uptick in merger and acquisition activity across the AV industry. Clients increasingly require diverse capabilities, resources and a national reach, with consulting and integration.
DGI principal David Meneely shared, “Independent, experienced consulting was sought after consistently by DGI clients, and with ACT we now have the in-house knowledge, resources and client-focus our audience and partners need. Our increased scale and depth will make a meaningful difference across DGI and our industry partners and client base.”
DGI Communications LLC was founded in 1994 and is a leading nationwide systems integrator specializing in commercial audiovisual systems, LED video wall solutions and healthcare communication platforms. DGI Communications has two primary divisions, DGI Invisuals, New England’s Largest Digital Print company, and DGI Technologies, the audio-visual and technology division. DGI creates brand experiences that resonate with customers, inspire employees and transform workspaces. DGI’s 140 employees work primarily from their state of the art 60,000 facility in Billerica, MA.
ACT Associates LLC is an award-winning independent audio-visual design consultancy with offices in Connecticut and Massachusetts. The team at ACT all share a common goal of providing value-based solutions with a focus on optimizing quality, schedule and cost benefit for our clients. With over sixty years of combined audio-visual experience, the Principals of ACT Associates have designed, engineered and managed hundreds of systems and facilities including corporate boardrooms and presentation environments, museum exhibits, training rooms, auditoriums, labs and classrooms.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why did DGI decide to acquire ACT Associates?
DGI clients consistently seek independent, experienced AV consulting. With ACT Associates, DGI now has the in-house knowledge, resources and client-focus their audience and partners need.
Why did ACT Associates join DGI?
Joining DGI gives ACT a wider, national audience for their best-in-class consulting services. In addition, ACT now has access to the deep and diverse resources offered by DGI’s 140 person team.
So is ACT Associates going away?
The ACT name and team is not going away, but will remain a division of DGI Communications.
I’m an existing DGI or an ACT client, what does this mean for me?
You’ll receive the same great guidance, service, support and solutions from the same people you’ve always worked with, along with greater access to resources and expertise.
I’m an ACT client, will I be forced to use DGI on my projects?
There will be no requirement to use DGI on a project. Objectivity and client-focus will remain a hallmark of ACT Associates. Our clients can work with whomever they want to implement their project plans.
Will there be any layoffs from the acquisition?
Our teams are growing. Check out our careers page, because we need more great people.
As I client of one firm, can you tell me what the other firm does?
Visit our About Us page for DGI or ACT Associates to learn more.
