HD set manufacturer Syntax-Brillian said this week it will purchase film and digital camera maker Vivitar Corp. for about $26 million in stock. Syntax-Brillian is counting on its acquisition to give it a bona fide entry into the digital photo business.
The firm, based in Tempe, Ariz., posted just under $200 million in sales in fiscal 2006, according to the Associated Press. Vivitar of Oxnard, Calif., brought in about $120 million in revenue last year, and currently has offices in France, Hong Kong and the United Kingdom.
Besides tapping into digital still camera production, Syntax-Brillian said it also expects to use Vivitar's current distribution channels to create new outlets for its HD LCD monitors. Vivitar will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Syntax-Brillian, which recently opened a new production facility in Ontario, Calif., to produce the company's line of Olevia brand HD sets for distribution throughout the U.S. and Canada (HD Notebook, Oct. 25, 2006).
