Samsung Goes Big On LED Display Future, Buys YESCO

March 5, 2015 by Dave Haynes

I thought it was interesting when Samsung showed a tight pixel-pitch LED board at the recent ISE trade show in Amsterdam, thinking to myself, “Hmmm, Sammy is dabbling in LEDs.”

Turns out the electronics giant is more than dabbling.

The company has announced the acquisition of YESCO Electronics LLC, the Logan, Utah-based LED sign and display manufacturer that has more than 2,000 boards up in the US and globally.

If you go to Vegas, you will know Tesco’s product from that huge, stunning, curvy wall on the strip, at Planet Hollywood.

Says a news release:

According to Samsung, the acquisition reinforces its entry into the LED display market, extending the reach of the company’s technologies and expertise beyond large-format displays (LFDs) using LCD panels, where it has been the worldwide market leader for six consecutive years.

YESCO Electronics was a subsidiary of the Young Electric Sign Company (YESCO), a privately-owned custom sign manufacturer.

“As the market for LED display technology continues to grow, we understood the critical importance of having the right experience to be successful in this area,” said Seog-Gi Kim, senior vice president, Visual Display Business, Samsung Electronics, Seoul, Korea. “By combining the extensive expertise of YESCO Electronics in LED displays with our global network, business experience and world-class R&D team, we further validate our leading position and the value that we bring to our customers as a total solutions provider in digital display.”

In light of the accelerated implementation of LED displays that offer enhanced picture quality, energy efficiency and operational functionality, Samsung will work with YESCO Electronics to deliver durable, long-lasting displays geared for varied and extreme conditions. YESCO Electronics’ proven successes include large and brilliant sign and display execution in many of the markets Samsung serves, including retail, education, hospitality, corporate and transportation environments.

“The solid relationship between Samsung and YESCO will strengthen YESCO’s position in the marketplace,” said John Williams, CEO of YESCO Electronics. “This acquisition expands the presence of our services and systems across Samsung’s vast global network, allowing a wider range of businesses to offer their customers a more impressive, eye-catching visual experience. YESCO Electronics will offer a broader range of world-class products to the customers as part of the Samsung Team.”

Founded in 1988, YESCO Electronics LLC is a former division of the Young Electric Sign Company (“YESCO”), which has been a family-run business since 1920. YESCO operates a full-service custom sign manufacturing business offering creative design, engineering, leasing, financing, and maintenance agreements.

YESCO owns and operates its own network digital of billboards, as well as 1,800 traditional billboard faces in the Western United States. YESCO has a sign and lighting service franchise network throughout North America. According to YESCO, it will continue to sell and integrate the latest LED technology from Samsung.

For current YESCO Electronics customers, all warranties, maintenance agreements and media services agreements will remain intact, the company said. Customers also will be dealing with the same sales, service and support personnel. In addition, the factory in Logan remains open and will continue to produce an expanding range of digital products.

Didn’t see anything about terms.

Giant companies like Samsung inevitably have a big impact on how much smaller companies, particularly ones from another country. But YESCO is telling customers everything’s going to be fine.

If you are a current YESCO Electronics customer you can continue to expect the highest level of service and support. All of our warranties, maintenance agreements and media services agreements remain intact. You will be dealing with the same sales, service and support personnel that you have become accustomed to. The factory in Logan remains open and will continue to produce an expanding range of digital products.