Nick Lindwall and Lee Crew completed their acquisition of the business on 5 December after an invitation to purchase from the former owners.
Lindwall is now Showlite’s new managing director, and Crew takes the role of group sales director. The former owners of Showlite will stay on to ensure a smooth transition.
Showlite and Ottimo will continue to operate as separate companies and will retain their respective names and brands. There will be no job losses at either company as a consequence of the change in ownership, and no interruption or changes to their respective service delivery.
Paul Slaney, the former managing director of Showlite, said: “This acquisition represents a fantastic opportunity for both Ottimo’s owners and the Showlite team.
“I’m very confident that the combined offerings of Ottimo and Showlite will enhance our customers’ experience, the choice of services offered, and the unmatched level of service delivered by Showlite.”
Lindwall added: “We are delighted to have been given this opportunity to acquire Showlite and build on the huge collective potential of both our companies. We are very much looking forward to leading both Showlite and Ottimo into the next chapter of our journey together.”
Established in 2010, and based in Newport, South Wales, Ottimo Digital employs around 20 people delivering and installing graphics for exhibition stands and displays, hoardings, building wraps, signage, vehicle graphics, and more, all over the UK and Europe.
Predominantly serving the exhibition and events, retail, commercial, and sports sectors, it specialises in large-format print including superwide (5m-wide), dye-sub, and UV flatbed printing, in addition to offering a comprehensive in-house finishing and installation service.
The business runs kit from companies including EFI, Mimaki, Kongsberg, Epson, Kleverik, and Summa.
Hampshire and Pontypool-based Showlite, meanwhile, is a professional contractor employing around 50 people that delivers all essential event services, including shell, electrics, lighting, furniture, flooring, and graphics.
The business has recently launched Showlite Select, a new department headed up by Adam Shepherd that will focus on “attention-grabbing features, high-impact stands and innovative package options”.
Showlite provides both a flexible, personal service as well as large-scale, multi-hall events.
