The takeover of Ctouch by the Belgian i3-Group has created a new European market leading touchscreen specialist. Ctouch and i3-Technologies are both focused on large-format touch solutions in the price-sensitive education, corporate, and government markets. Ctouch is also one of the leading green signage providers in the digital signage market.
The leading big digital signage manufacturers Samsung, LG, Philips, and Sharp are struggling in the market for large-format touchscreens. Collaboration solution projects, which are usually awarded in large (public) tenders, are often won by touch specialists like Ctouch and i3-Technologies rather than from visual solution heavyweights. In education, inexpensive and technically simpler screen solutions, often based on Android, dominate the market. While government and corporate are looking for affordable collaboration solutions. The winning formula for all is to package large format touchscreens with vertical-specific software solutions and service concepts via well-positioned IT and ProAV system integrators.
As an alternative to Chinese imports, some European solution providers have been able to establish themselves in the market. Dutch Ctouch, for example, supplies touchscreen solutions to the German government via partner Deutsche Telekom (invidis article). Belgium-based i3-Technologies is also successfully established as a touch specialist among other providers.
The i3 Group has now announced the takeover of its competitor Ctouch. In April 2023, the i3 Group was able to win the financial investing division Worxinvest of the Belgian HR specialist SD Worx as a partner for new acquisitions. The strategic acquisition is intended to expand i3-Technologies’ product range and market reach and consolidate its position as one of the global market leaders for interactive technology and collaboration solutions.
Ctouch’s expertise lies in sustainable touchscreen displays (invidis article) and complementary software solutions that are intended to complement i3-Technologies’ existing offering worldwide. Both solution providers provide their solutions via the IT- and ProAV channel.
The new owner, i3-Technologies, is committed to ensuring a seamless transition for Ctouch’s existing customers and sales partners.