Vitec Imaging Solutions recently announced its acquisition of the Phoenix-based company Savage Universal and its affiliates. The agreement was announced on November 16th and is expected to close by the end of November 2021.
Over the years, Vitec has positioned itself as a leader in the broadcast and photography accessories markets. The company designs, manufactures and distributes premium-branded photographic and video equipment including tripods, bags, filters and lights for professional content creators and hobbyists alike. Its customer scope now includes broadcasters, film studios, production and rental companies, gamers, and enterprises, and much more.
Vitec’s current portfolio includes nine subsidiary brands: Manfrotto, Gitzo, JOBY, Colorama, Avenger, Lowepro, Syrp, Rycote, and now, Savage. Savage joins in the company’s lighting category alongside Colorama, JOBY, and Manfrotto.
Savage Universal was founded in 1937 in Phoenix, AZ, as a manufacturer of quality board and paper products. Since then, it has grown into a leading provider of photographic backgrounds for the content creation market. The company provides seamless paper backgrounds, or backdrops, ensuring a crease-free background surface. All of its paper products are FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified and 100% recyclable. Its main paper mill supplier is net zero on electricity thanks to its hydroelectric dam that covers all electricity needs. Savage also sells products such as LED lights, light stands, and grip equipment that will fit nicely in Vitec’s existing lineup.
“Savage backgrounds complement Vitec’s existing portfolio of accessories for professional image creators. This acquisition brings together the world’s leading supports and imaging accessories provider with the world’s leading backgrounds manufacturer, serving professional photographers, creators, and vloggers with the best in class studio equipment,” Marco Pezzana, Divisional CEO of Vitec Imaging Solutions included in the announcement.
Savage’s approximately 80 employees will be joining Vitec’s 1,800 employees across the world in 11 different countries. The company is organized in three divisions — Imaging Solutions, Production Solutions and Creative Solutions — and is listed on the London Stock Exchange.
