Learfield Buys GoVision, Which Provides Temporary LED Signage For Big Events

Learfield continued its buying spree with the acquisition of GoVision, the Texas-based company that provides large-scale LED video boards to big events like the Ryder Cup and Final Four. GoVision will retain its name, but going forward will be known as a Learfield company. GoVision Founder Chris Curtis will continue to lead the business of 60 employees. Terms of the deal, which closed yesterday, were not made available. The acquisition of GoVision closely resembles Learfield’s move last year to buy ANC, but there are nuances, Learfield CEO Greg Brown said, that make the businesses complementary more than competitive. Most of GoVision’s business involves the temporary positioning of video boards in unique places, like a golf course or outdoor plazas, which is called the rental market. At the '14 Final Four in AT&T Stadium, GoVision hung its video boards underneath the stadium’s permanent video board so more people on the floor could see it. Meanwhile, the company also put in the “Colossus” Panasonic video board structure at Bristol Motor Speedway. ANC’s video boards are more permanent, like center-hung scoreboards or LED ribbon boards, and it works in what is called the install market.

TAPPING INTO COLLEGE SPACE MORE: While GoVision has done substantial work with the NCAA in the past, Learfield’s Brown said there is much more new business for GoVision in the college market, from tailgating spaces to other on-campus entertainment like fan fests and concerts. “Hopefully we can be helpful to them by providing additional resources and access and relationships,” Brown said. “All schools are looking for ways to engage and entertain their audiences. Video can be a big part of the solution.” GoVision’s Curtis said he had talked to Learfield off and on for a few years, but the pace quickened over the last 60 days until the deal closed. He was advised by merger-and-acquisition specialist Glaucon Capital Partners. Curtis will continue to run the business, but he will report to Learfield COO Marc Jenkins. “We’re in a really dynamic arena with live events and the proliferation of the LED market,” Curtis said. “The best way to prosper is to have the resources to react timely and this deal gives us that, especially the deeper entry into the college market.” GoVision represents the 10th acquisition by Learfield since it was bought by Providence Equity in '13.