Panavision Canada acquires camera assets of William F. White International
1/5/2005
WOODLAND HILLS, CA and TORONTO � Panavision announced today that it has purchased the camera inventory of William F. White International Inc. (WFW), Canada's oldest and largest production equipment company with offices across Canada and in LA. WFW's inventory and services include lighting, grip, camera support and related production equipment.
"This transaction will allow Panavision to offer an expanded inventory of camera equipment to customers in Canada and throughout the world. It is another step forward in our strategy to acquire valuable assets on a selective basis to enhance and grow our global network," said Bob Beitcher, President and CEO, Panavision Inc.
The purchase includes all film, HD and video camera equipment owned by WFW, including Sony F-900s, Arricams, Arri 435s, and Arri SR3s, along with a wide assortment of lenses and accessories. In addition, select employees of WFW involved in camera rental operations will be joining Panavision Canada.
Paul Bronfman, Chairman and CEO of William F. White International and Comweb Group Inc. said, "This is a win-win situation for clients of both WFW and Panavision. It allows productions in Canada to continue to obtain state-of-the-art production equipment from WFW while receiving top-notch camera equipment from Panavision. All clients will continue to enjoy the unrivaled customer service, inventory and support provided by both companies."
"The purchase of William F. White's camera assets reflects our continued long-term confidence in Canada," said Bill Zacharuk, President and COO, Panavision Canada.
"This addition to Panavision's inventory will expand our ability to service Canadian productions and enable us to offer even greater choices to our customers and the longtime camera customers of William F. White International. We are also excited to bring aboard many of the talented and dedicated employees of WFW who have brought its camera operations to such a high standard."
All the Canadian regions will continue to be supported and serviced by Panavision Canada through its two primary operations in Toronto and Vancouver. Panavision also intends to maintain camera operations in WFW's Calgary and Halifax regional offices. The transition to Panavision will be fully concluded in the coming weeks.
Recent productions for which WFW supplied cameras for include "Scooby Doo 2," "I, Robot" and the Oscar-winning "Chicago." Panavision Canada's recent credits include "X-Men 2," "Catwoman," "Electra," "Blade 3" and "Chronicles of Riddick."
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