Film extruder Transilwrap Company Inc. has bought Clear Focus Imaging, a manufacturer of printable plastic films for large-scale display advertising like those on the sides of buildings.
Transilwrap, based in Franklin Park, Ill., said acquiring Clear Focus and its manufacturing facility in Santa Rosa, Calif., will diversify its product line.
“This acquisition expands and strengthens Transilwrap's value-added manufacturing capabilities to support growth in new market segments,” said Andy Brewer, Transilwrap's president and CEO, in a statement.
It's the second acquisition for Transilwrap since November 2013, when the company was acquired by New York-based private equity firm Jordan Co. in what the companies said is an attempt to build a leading global specialty films company.
Transilwrap said Clear Focus has patented technologies for creating printable films, including under the “One Way Vision” brand, that are used in dramatic outdoor and indoor advertising like those that drape the sides of skyscrapers, buses and store fronts. Its offerings include various grades of vinyl film.
Clear Focus has manufacturing and film converting operations at its headquarters location in Santa Rosa. The company will be managed separately by its current leadership as part of Transilwrap's graphic solutions division, the company said.
“Transilwrap's broad portfolio of manufacturing capabilities and expansive converting and distribution network will allow Clear Focus to grow our leadership position in the display advertising market segment,” said Clear Focus President Debbie Ross.
Clear Focus in 2013 said it reached a confidential settlement in patent litigation related to its one-way vision film technologies. The company said that Flexcon Co. Inc., of Spencer, Mass., became licensed to manufacture and sell such “one-way vision” films under two patents owned by Clear Focus.