CDPQ becomes a shareholder of Solotech to accelerate the company’s international growth

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CDPQ becomes a shareholder of Solotech to accelerate the company’s international growth

Montréal, November 29, 2023 – CDPQ today announced it acquired a minority stake in Solotech, a global leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology. The goal of this transaction, which represents the largest investment in the company since 2013, is to support Solotech’s acquisition and organic growth strategy to expand its presence in various markets and create more value for its customers.

 

Solotech highlights: 

  • Founded in Montréal in 1977, Solotech has recognized experience in event and technology solutions, as well as in selling and integrating audiovisual systems.
  • The company has 2,000 employees in 20 strategic locations in North America, Europe and Asia.
  • Since 2013, the company has been held by a group of Québec-based shareholders—Claridge, Investissement Québec and Desjardins Capital—that CDPQ now joins.
  • 10 acquisitions completed since 2018.
  • Over 12,000 projects delivered annually.

 

“With this investment—the largest in the last decade for Solotech—CDPQ will support the company in its next growth stage. Aligned with CDPQ’s priorities, this means not only shifting activities into high gear, but also facilitating the company’s global expansion and promoting its audiovisual and technological know-how,” said Kim Thomassin, Executive Vice-President and Head of Québec at CDPQ.

“CDPQ’s commitment is a gauge of confidence in our business model, and their financial investment will allow us to seize new business opportunities as a global audiovisual and technology consolidator,” noted Martin Tremblay, President and Chief Executive Officer of Solotech.

“We enthusiastically welcome a new world-class partner like CDPQ. We firmly believe that we will benefit from an expansive additional network that will enhance our perspectives on the Board of Directors, notably in terms of growing Solotech,” added Pierre Boivin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Claridge and Chair of the Board of Directors of Solotech.

With a solid network of partners, Solotech offers audio, video, lighting, rigging, staging and control and collaboration systems, as well as eSports and webcasting technology. The company leverages its unrivalled know-how to create unique experiences around the world. It has made a name in various markets, including music, sports, business, transportation, culture and education. It also has an e‑commerce platform offering new and used audiovisual equipment.

From Las Vegas to London and Miami to Ottawa, Solotech’s experienced team has been involved in corporate events, nearly 280 festivals per year and musical tours, including by Taylor Swift, P!nk, Harry Styles, Adele and The Weeknd. A major share of its annual revenues is generated by complex and large-scale audiovisual installations, including Resorts World Las Vegas, Outernet and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, Disney World, Bell Centre, Caesars Palace, Hong Kong International Airport and many more.

Solotech ranks 5th among the top 50 system integrators in the world, and among global leaders in event solutions. In 2023, the company won the Parnelli Award for Video Production Company of the Year for its The Weeknd project. In 2022, it won the AV Events and Entertainment Project of the Year Award from AV Magazine for ABBA Voyage in the United Kingdom. In 2019, the company supported six of the top 10 tours in Billboard Magazine’s 2019 Year-End Touring Chart.

Martin Tremblay concludes: “We’re thrilled by the new possibilities for our teams that CDPQ’s arrival will provide to further promote their expertise and talent. Serving clients around the world is the genesis of our expansion, and even today it’s what motivates us to offer quality service and the best technology for their ambitious projects.”

 

About Solotech 

Founded 45 years ago, Solotech is a world leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology with 20 strategic locations in Canada, the United States, Europe and Asia. Solotech is the single source for audio, video, lighting, rigging, soft goods, control and collaboration solutions and services. The company is internationally recognized for its expertise in Live Productions and Systems Integration in various markets, namely music, sports, business, culture and education. Clients can also benefit from its Service Center, Online Store and virtual technology know-how. Solotech employs 2,000 professionals in its offices located in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Nashville, Miami, Orlando, Pensacola, London, Birmingham, Manchester, Frankfort, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec City, Saguenay, Halifax, Macau and Hong Kong. Learn more at old.solotech.com.

 

About CDPQ

At CDPQ, we invest constructively to generate sustainable returns over the long term. As a global investment group managing funds for public pension and insurance plans, we work alongside our partners to build enterprises that drive performance and progress. We are active in the major financial markets, private equity, infrastructure, real estate and private debt. As at June 30, 2023, CDPQ’s net assets totalled CAD 424 billion. For more information, visit cdpq.com, consult our LinkedIn or Instagram pages, or follow us on X.

CDPQ is a registered trademark owned by Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec and licensed for use by its subsidiaries. 

 

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For more information:

 

Mélanie Jolin

Director, Global Public Relations and Communications

+1 514 649-1553

media@old.solotech.com

 

Kate Monfette

Director, Media Relations

+ 1 438 525-2520

kmonfette@cdpq.com

blink-182’s Rock Hard Tour: An Audio and Visual Extravaganza

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blink-182’s Rock Hard Tour: An Audio and Visual Extravaganza

blink-182, the pop-punk legends, have stormed back onto the global touring scene with their highly anticipated 2023/2024 Rock Hard Tour. Returning to the stage with founding member Tom DeLonge for the first time since 2014, the band has unleashed a vibrant live show that includes a giant inflatable ambulance, alien encounters, and a floating Travis Barker.

The technical prowess behind this spectacle involves a synergy of designers and suppliers. Every department involved in the production was required to collaborate closely to execute a live show as dynamic as blink-182’s tour. Solotech, entrusted with lighting and video, collaborated with a host of other teams to deliver the band’s artistic vision.

The visual storytelling, modelled by Vectorworks and Cinema 4D, integrates the lighting seamlessly, featuring cutting-edge solutions controlled by Lighting Designer Griffin ‘Griff’ Dennen.

With meticulous planning and cutting-edge technology, Blink-182’s Rock Hard Tour is not just a concert; it’s an immersive experience that has been captivating audiences worldwide.

Read the full article and learn more about this incredible production here.

Source: TPi (November/December), blink-182: World Tour 2023/2024

 

Contact: media@old.solotech.com

Luc Richard Appointed Vice President, Global Procurement and Facilities

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Luc Richard Appointed Vice President, Global Procurement and Facilities

Montréal, Québec, November 9, 2023 – Solotech, a global leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology, is proud to announce the appointment of Luc Richard as Vice President, Global Procurement and Facilities.

Under the direction of Martin Chouinard, Chief Global Operations and Asset Officer, Luc will drive excellence in the strategic sourcing cycle, oversee the procurement and facility teams, and continue to build successful alliances with our suppliers and partners.

“Since he joined Solotech, Luc has demonstrated his extensive experience in strategic operations, finance, and leadership. I’m pleased to count on his expertise to manage our supplier partnerships in Canada, the US, the UK, and Germany, as well as our facilities, both of which are key to our ongoing success and growth,” says Martin Chouinard.

For over 30 years, Luc Richard has held strategic and executive positions within fast-growing organizations, including several years in the video game industry at Ubisoft. Luc also served in the Canadian Armed Forces for 20 years, where one of the positions he held was Director General of Strategic Operations and Resource Planning. Throughout his prolific career, he’s developed expertise in leading corporate finance activities, financial planning and analysis, procurement, operations management, and administration. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Carleton University, an MBA from HEC Montreal and is also a Fellow of the Order of CPAs.

“I feel privileged to be working with a world-class team like Solotech’s. I look forward to continue contributing to a global company, maintaining our standard of excellence in procurement and facility management, and fostering new initiatives to support our operations,” says Luc.

The entire Solotech team wishes him great success in his new role.

 

Contact: media@old.solotech.com

Solotech Launches Webcasting Solution LiveSphere

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Solotech Launches Webcasting Solution LiveSphere

Montréal, Québec, November 3, 2023 Solotech, a global leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology, is proud to announce the North American launch of LiveSphere, an innovative white-label webcasting solution.

LiveSphere offers a versatile platform that adapts to a wide range of scenarios. Whether it’s corporate events, government meetings, live entertainment, or hybrid experiences, LiveSphere opens new possibilities for connecting with a global audience of tens of thousands per event.

Martin Carrier, President, Live Productions Division, Canada | Global Media and Entertainment Technologies at Solotech, underscores the significance of this launch, “LiveSphere introduces a new dimension to event hosting for Solotech clients. It transcends geographic boundaries, making our clients’ events accessible to a worldwide audience while minimizing the ecological footprint.”

LiveSphere offers a customizable and secure platform that caters to each client’s unique needs, prioritizing security and reliability to ensure a seamless experience. One of the most compelling and innovative features of LiveSphere is its accessibility from any device, eliminating the need for desktop applications. The platform comes equipped with an administrative dashboard for managing events, chat moderating, and user analytics. It supports multiple audio tracks and video streams with closed captioning, as well as third-party integration for polling, voting, and ticket sales.

“User engagement through LiveSphere can boost conversions, foster customer loyalty, enhance brand visibility, and drive growth. It’s a holistic approach tailored to each client,” emphasizes Michel Poirier, Business Development Director at Solotech.

In addition to LiveSphere, Solotech offers a suite of additional services to enhance event experiences. From post-production to streaming show operation and production services, Solotech provides support to make events unforgettable.

LiveSphere’s first version was launched in 2020 with select clients to ensure the platform’s features and functionality maintained the company’s standard of excellence before the full launch. With over 45 years of experience in the AV industry, Solotech is well-positioned to deliver outstanding event experiences via LiveSphere.

 

Contact: media@old.solotech.com

Solotech Empowers Styx’s U.S. Tour with DiGiCo SD12-96 Consoles

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Solotech Empowers Styx’s U.S. Tour with DiGiCo SD12-96 Consoles

Solotech continues to be the driving force behind remarkable live performances. The latest contribution to Styx’s U.S. tour in support of the band’s 17th studio album, “Crash of the Crown,” exemplifies a dedication to superior audio technology.

Solotech has equipped the tour with a duo of DiGiCo SD12-96 consoles, catering to both front-of-house (FOH) and monitor mixing. While the band relies on local equipment at various venues, their audio crew has chosen Solotech’s control package built around the twin DiGiCo consoles ensures impeccable FOH and monitor mix consistency.

The choice of the DiGiCo SD12-96 for this tour was also influenced by a number of factors. The platform’s capabilities allow the team to tackle complex routing, group management, and macros efficiently. Its compact yet high-channel count design resolved space challenges often faced in various venues. The console’s onboard processing and features eliminate the need for external plugins. The dynamic EQ and audio enhancer are particularly valuable tools for the FOH and monitor engineers. The consoles are also equipped to handle the band’s extensive IEM mixes and monitor requirements.

The SD12-96 system enables Styx’s team to accommodate requests and deliver on the artists’ creative vision, providing them with a mix that not only sounds exceptional but inspires the band to give their best performances.

Read the full article and learn the complete details of this cutting-edge audio control package here.

Source: Front Of House Magazine (September 29), Solotech Supplies a Pair of DiGiCo SD12-96 Consoles for Styx’s U.S. Tour

 

Contact: media@old.solotech.com

Solotech and Outernet Announce Long-Term Global Partnership

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Solotech, a global leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology, is proud to announce its partnership with Outernet, the innovative, immersive experience in the heart of London. This strategic collaboration solidifies Solotech’s position as Outernet’s global 360 AV partner as it now looks to expand to future sites internationally.

“Our partnership with Outernet epitomises the standards by which we measure ourselves,” says Bryce Jewell, Managing Director of Solotech UK. “The audio solution that we provided in London was a massive success, one that was ultimately recognised by many industry bodies. However, as Outernet looks to realise their ambitions in other markets, Solotech’s global reach and track record of delivering full 360 solutions will unquestionably add even greater value to our partnership. Together, I know that our combined strengths and expertise will continue to provide consumers with the most advanced immersive audiovisual experiences available.”

Outernet shares the enthusiasm for this partnership. “We are delighted to partner with Solotech, a company that shares our passion for innovation and commitment to client satisfaction,” explains Richard Blaney, Technical Operations Director at Outernet. “Trust is a crucial part of all long term relationships, and following our experience of working together in London we are confident that Solotech will help us create immersive experiences that redefine the industry and set new standards in performance  all over the world.”

Philip Giffard, President, Global Sales and Systems Integration, Solotech agrees. “I am filled with immense pride and enthusiasm as we unveil this groundbreaking collaboration. This partnership with Outernet exemplifies our commitment to delivering unparalleled value to our clients and is a testament to our enduring dedication to excellence. We are confident that this union will not only elevate our company to new heights, but will also set industry standards for years to come. Stay tuned for more updates on this remarkable partnership as we continue to shape the future together.”

This partnership is aligned with Solotech’s goal of delivering top-class audiovisual experiences for audiences around the world.

Contact: media@solotech.com

Photo Credit: Gasoline Media

Industry veteran Landon Lovett joins Solotech as Global Market Leader

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Industry veteran Landon Lovett joins Solotech as Global Market Leader

Orlando, United States, October 3, 2023 – Solotech, a global leader in audiovisual and entertainment technology, is excited to announce the appointment of Landon Lovett as Global Market Leader, Sales and Systems Integration Division.

Landon’s newly created Global Market Leader position will focus on areas in which he has previously held impactful roles. In his impressive career spanning more than 20 years in senior leadership, he has been a key player in developing business practices, expanding into new markets, and maintaining consultant engagement and major client relationships.

“I am thrilled to join this dynamic, growing global organization,” says Landon. “Over the last 45 years, Solotech has built a world-class reputation of AV production and installation.  I am extremely excited to come in and maintain that standard of quality and excellence while helping the continued growth of Solotech’s Sales and Systems Integration Division.”

Reporting directly to John ‘Jack’ Steinhauer, Vice President, Global Markets, Sales and Systems Integration, Landon’s focus will be on expanding consultant relationships, creating education and government strategy, and working closely with manufacturers to develop Solotech’s approach.

“I’ve worked with Landon for many years and have always respected his professionalism and his knowledge of the AV industry,” says Steinhauer. “I’m delighted that he is joining us at Solotech to help accelerate our growth.”

Landon’s appointment is consistent with Solotech’s goal of leveraging its world-class expertise and technology and expanding into developing markets.

“Landon is yet another important piece of the puzzle that will ensure we achieve our growth ambitions,” states Philip Giffard, Global President of Sales and Systems Integration. “The experience and professionalism he brings to our team are tremendous assets that will greatly benefit our team.”

Contact

media@old.solotech.com

Major installation improves efficiency at Montreal’s Jewish General Hospital

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The CIUSSS West-Central Montreal has proudly unveiled a new and improved C4 Command Centre at the Jewish General Hospital. This Centre that grants easily accessible data for staff members was sourced and installed by Solotech’s Systems Integration team.

To learn more about this project, read the full news release from the CIUSSS West-Central Montreal here.

You can also get a behind-the-scenes look at the new Command Centre via Global News’ video coverage.

 

Source: JGH News (September, 2023), C4 (Command Centre) moves to larger, more spacious quarters

Source: Global News (September 26), Behind the scenes look at state-of-the-art hospital command centre in Montreal

 

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media@old.solotech.com

Elevating the audiovisual experience in casino sportsbooks

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Elevating the audiovisual experience in casino sportsbooks

The sports gambling industry has seen immense growth in recent years. According to Statista, the global online sports betting market is projected to reach US$43.55 billion in 2023 and climb to 174.5 million users by 2027. Following the United States’ 2018 Supreme Court decision granting states control over sports gambling regulations, both online and in-person sports gambling has surged in popularity in the US. To investigate further, SVG dove into the investment taking place to improve the client experience in casino sportsbooks.

To learn more about this dynamic shift and read about what Solotech’s experts had to say on the subject, read the full SVG article here.

Source: SVG (September 20), Tech Focus: Sportsbooks, Part 1 — Broadcast Sports but Bigger, Brighter, Louder

 

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media@old.solotech.com

 

Solotech Revolutionizes Burna Boy’s Stadium Tour with Immersive Sound Technology

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Solotech Revolutionizes Burna Boy’s Stadium Tour with Immersive Sound Technology

Solotech, KLANG, and DiGiCo have taken center stage on Burna Boy’s Stadium Tour in Front of House Magazine for delivering unparalleled audio experiences.

Partnering with Grammy Award-winning artist Burna Boy, Solotech integrated their expertise  and cutting-edge technology to elevate performances to new heights. Solotech’s contributions extend beyond conventional setups, supplying DiGiCo Quantum338 and Quantum7 mixing consoles. The latter boasts a DMI-KLANG module that revolutionizes the in-ear monitor experience, immersing performers in a rich and dynamic sound environment.

Solotech Revolutionizes Burna Boy's Stadium Tour with Immersive Sound Technology

Duriel Mensah, monitor engineer for Burna Boy, utilizes KLANG’s immersive IEM mixing platform on Solotech’s DiGiCo Quantum7 console to deliver incredible experiences for both the artists and audiences. The seamless integration between KLANG and DiGiCo empowers him to swiftly adapt and fine-tune mixes, providing artists with an unparalleled sonic experience.

For a deeper dive into the remarkable fusion of technology and artistry, click here to read the full article.

Solotech Revolutionizes Burna Boy's Stadium Tour with Immersive Sound Technology

Source: Front of House Magazine (August 30), DMI-KLANG Heats Up IEM Mixes on Burna Boy’s Stadium Tour

Contact: media@old.solotech.com