Pixel Global AV is expanding into the African market by collaborating with Cape Town-based Kilowatt Audio Visual to launch local entity Pixel Global AV South Africa.
Pixel is a global audio-visual solutions provider with offices in Europe, Asia-Pacific and Brazil. Its move into the African region will be backed by a South African office offering local support to customers.
The company says the move was prompted in response to the acceleration of the technology market in Africa and the new challenges to the European market presented by Brexit.
Dillon Jearey, who has been appointed as CEO of Pixel SA and remains CEO of Kilowatt AV, says the partnership is the starting point of a global partnership programme and is one of many to be announced throughout the year.
"Our partnership means Kilowatt has a 51% stake in the African entity (Pixel SA) which means we can give our clients a global footprint and solution with a majority black-owned SA entity. Kilowatt recently sold 51% equity in a BEE transaction to Gamiro Investments.
"We have a bold vision to create the most innovative and progressive technical solutions company in Africa. The accelerated growth programme is required to fund our growth ambitions and create returns for our investors. We now feel ready to branch into the installation arena."
Despite being at the helm of both companies, Jearey says his primary focus will be on Pixel for now. "Kilowatt is an established business with a 10-year history. We also have a formidable advisory board, including Devon Pather (former Investec), Crispin Sonn (former Old Mutual) and Heather Sonn (Steinhoff). I feel comfortable that with my leadership team in Kilowatt and my board, I have the capacity to lead both companies."
Global CEO of Pixel Global AV Tim Darwell-Taylor adds: "Having conducted work for clients in Africa from the UK, we understood the need to find a partner who can support clients locally. Kilowatt is an established AV provider in Africa and its strong client base and delivery strength made them a natural business partner for us. Business spending in Africa is expected to grow to $3.5 trillion by 2025 and we hope this collaboration will help differentiate Pixel Global AV in this key region."
Jearey notes the local sector will benefit by having access to international companies and their products. "Typically, the barriers to entry in the high-end installation field are very tough. Having a global presence is very important and companies need to ensure their systems will work properly. With video conferencing becoming a standard in corporate communication, we are glad the African market can now acquire the expertise and the global footprint to enhance the technology as well as affording large companies options."
Jearey says the company is in talks with hardware manufacturers to distribute high-end 3D screens and LED solutions.
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