(image above from Apogee website)
By Ray Smith, Exhibit City News
With a vision of semi-retirement and embarking on the next chapter of her life, Francine Brooks sold her company, FB Displays & Designs, to Apogee Exhibits, a major player in the Northeast display and exhibit industry, in a transaction announced Jan. 25.
The acquisition will expand Apogee’s presence in the Buffalo-Niagara region of New York and enhance its range of services. Financial terms were not disclosed.
FB Displays & Designs built a solid reputation providing tradeshow displays in upstate New York for 30 years under founder and CEO Brooks. The company specializes in designing and construction displays and exhibits using modular components, creating flexibility, ease of setup and cost savings.
“I have had, thankfully, a long and successful career, and I wanted to cash in on the value of my business,” Brooks explains in an email to Exhibit City News. “There are also lifestyle changes to consider, maybe some new opportunities to align with new interests and goals.”
Apogee is a perfect match for FB Displays & Design, she adds. The sale brings “exciting possibilities” for her employees and clients. She’ll be staying on in a consulting role to help with the transition.
Mark Taylor, president of Rochester, N.Y.-based Apogee, credits Brooks for developing and growing her business over the years.
“While we’ve enjoyed success in working with Buffalo area clients, Francine excelled at it, so it was an easy decision,” Taylor says of the acquisition. “As far as assets go, the most important to me were her people. We have gained some exceptional people who work hard to service their clients’ needs in the Buffalo region.”
DRIVING FACTORS
Taylor says he didn’t acquire FB Displays to buy a customer base, but rather to add to the “bench strength” of his organization.
“Given the workforce challenges that face our industry, finding qualified talent and good people is a major obstacle to growth. This is just one of the driving factors behind our transaction,” he tells Exhibit City News.
Brooks sees a variety of factors driving mergers and acquisitions in the tradeshow industry.
- Technology Innovation: Augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and interactive displays are transforming the way companies engage with attendees, providing immersive and memorable experiences.
- Data Analytics: Utilizing data analytics tools helps businesses gather insights into attendee behavior, enabling them to tailor their exhibits for better engagement and effectiveness.
- Global Connectivity: With advancements in communication and logistics, companies are participating in international exhibits more seamlessly, expanding their reach and networking opportunities.
- Sustainability: There’s a growing emphasis on environmentally friendly practices, influencing exhibit designs with more sustainable materials and energy-efficient solutions.
“As a former business owner in this industry, I strongly recommend staying abreast of these trends and adapting your company’s approach accordingly for sustained success and growth,” Brooks advises.
For more about Apogee and their services, visit their website: https://apogeeexhibits.com/.
