Atlas Sound Acquires ETA

PHOENIX, AZ—Power stability is paramount in the increasingly digital world of AV systems integration. So when power management and protection manufacturer ETA Systems became available recently, it was an obvious fit into Mitek Electronics and Communications' core competency.
Loyd Ivey, president and CEO of Atlas Sound, a division of Arizonabased Mitek, said that "With the growth in the uninterrupted power supplies, power filtration, power distribution, and integrated power systems shipped in complete rack solutions, it is a move that we can really benefit from. Fortunately for ETA and Mitek, we were able to come together."
Atlas Sound has manufactured communications products for the commercial, broadcast, industrial, institutional, security, custom installation, and professional music markets since 1934. ETA makes rack mounted and stand-alone power protection, power management, and uninterruptible power products.
The strategic move is advantageous for the parent companies (ETA was owned by PowerVar of Waukegan, IL) but what does this acquisition really mean for commercial AV contractors? Atlas says that customers will benefit because now Mitek is a "one-stopshop." The acquisition, along with IED and Atlas Sound product lines, makes Mitek a more complete provider of power, sound, and digital signal products (which will be debuted at InfoComm 2009).
Stronger supply chain dynamics will also enhance business for ETA clients, "from better customer service and quicker deliveries from the Mitek Communications fulfillment center in Ennis, TX," Ivey specified.
Mitek has no plans to homogenize ETA Systems into Atlas; rather, it will maintain ETA as a strong, globallyrecognized brand. Similarly, Mitek doesn't have an overall corporate strategy, Ivey confided—instead it is in the business of "giving customers what they want, when they want it, at a price they are willing to pay."
Kathi Pritt, the ETA Systems sales manager who's celebrating her 20th year with the company, is enthusiastic about the development. "This is very exciting for me to continue in my twentieth year with ETA Systems serving our very loyal customers," she said. "I am looking forward to being part of the Mitek family of brands who are committed to delivering exceptional quality and innovative products and services."