Clare family sells Data Display

A Co Clare family has sold its electronic display firm to a US rival for an undisclosed sum. 

Kevin Neville established Data Display in 1979 and oversaw the firm growing into one of Europe’s largest producers of electronic displays.

The firm, based in Ennistymon, employs 150 and the firm’s signs are used by commuters travelling on the New York subway, the Dart in Dublin, the Metro in Paris and the London Underground.

Mr Neville retired a number of years ago and Data Display is today led by his son, Paul, and daughter, Ann-Marie.

Kevin, Paul, Ann-Marie along with Sarah and Theresa Neville are all listed as shareholders in Data Display.

The most recently filed accounts for Data Display Holdings Ltd show that it increased its pre-tax profits more than fourfold to €280,085 in spite of revenues declining by 10% from €17.35m to €15.49m in the 12 months to the end of December 2012.

The firm’s shareholder funds stood at €6.6m.

However, the Nevilles have decided to sell-out to Nasdaq-quoted Daktronics that produces large-format LED video displays, message displays, scoreboards, digital billboards and control systems in sport, business and transportation applications.

In the year to the end of April 30 this year, Daktronics recorded revenues of $551.9m (€413m) and profits of $22.2m.

Under the agreement, Daktronics will retain Data Display’s workforce of experienced sales, service, engineering and manufacturing teams.

Daktronics CEO Reece Kurtenbach said: “We believe Daktronics and Data Display complement each other well. Daktronics is active in the transportation business, mainly in the United States, and we have a global presence with offices and people in many countries, currently focused on sports, third-party advertising and video solutions.”

Data Display yesterday did not return a call for comment.

Ennistymon-based Fine Gael senator, Martin Conway, said: “The Neville family has contributed so much to the area and I am happy with the commitments given that the jobs will remain here. I am optimistic that the sale will result in additional jobs at Data Display.”