Known worldwide for producing the world’s finest home theater products, Runco has been a leading brand in the high-end, custom home theater market for the past two decades, and has developed some of the industry’s most advanced home theater solutions, such as CineWide (patent pending) technology and Video Xtreme projection equipment. Runco currently delivers outstanding home theater solutions priced from $3,000 to $250,000, which have consistently won awards for picture quality and performance. In addition, the Vidikron brand, including the award-winning Vision Series, has been part of Runco since 2002 after being founded in 1980.

“This combination offers us an exciting opportunity to accelerate our reach into the growing global market for high-end home theater solutions, in line with the strategy we launched last summer,” said Gerry Perkel, Planar president and chief executive officer. “Runco and Vidikron are synonymous with excellence in home theater. In combining Runco’s heritage and industry-leading home theater solutions with Planar’s global supply chain and broad display technology expertise, we have assembled some of the best talent in the industry to deliver the finest home theater solutions to an expanding global marketplace.”

The full range of Planar, Runco and Vidikron custom home theater offerings include industry-leading home theater projectors, high performance plasma and LCD thin video displays, ambient-light-rejection projection screens, as well as video processors and video signal enhancers designed exclusively for the home theater market. Planar intends to leverage its expertise in display engineering and development to expand the product portfolio over time for all three brands and introduce new custom solutions to its specialty home theater channels and customers worldwide.

“Our loyal customers and custom dealers will see enhanced Runco and Vidikron offerings thanks to the tremendous benefits of Planar's global resources,” said Sam Runco, founder and CEO of Runco International. “Planar brings substantial capabilities in specialty display technology beyond the home theater market and well-developed global operations and supply chain management. Most importantly, Planar has a company philosophy akin to what Runco has always stood for – excellence in technology, outstanding quality and service and dedicated focus to its custom channel partners. I believe this combination can not only continue the approach to the market that has made Runco a leader, but it will also create even better products and support to enable our channel partners expanded success in the market.”

Planar entered the home theater market in 2006 with its innovative Xscreen technology and front projection offerings. The Company will continue to sell an expanded line of Planar-branded products through its exclusive worldwide distribution network. Runco and Vidikron products will continue to be sold directly to specialized custom home theater installation dealers, making a one-of-a-kind, and dedicated, channel focus for all three brands.

Runco was founded in 1987 and recorded net sales as a private company of $54.6 million in the 12 months ending March 31, 2007, growing approximately 11 percent in the most recent quarter, compared with the same period a year ago. Runco employs approximately 120 people, the majority of whom are based at the company's headquarters in Union City, California. Planar’s Home Theater business unit, including the Planar, Runco and Vidikron brands, will continue to be led by Scott Hix, vice president and general manager reporting directly to Mr. Perkel. Reporting to Mr. Hix, Bob Hana will continue to lead the Runco and Vidikron businesses and serve as vice president of worldwide sales and marketing for these brands. Jim Davis will continue his role as the worldwide head of sales for Planar-branded specialty home theater displays, reporting directly to Mr. Hix. Mr. Runco will provide ongoing consultation and continue to be a key contributor to Planar’s ongoing Home Theater business initiatives.

Source: Press Release