Radiant Systems Buys Synchronics
Radiant Systems Inc., a point-of-sale technology provider, has acquired Synchronics. Terms of the acquisition, which was effective January 2006, were not released. Jeff Goldstein, Synchronics’ founder, owner and president, will remain president of Synchronics, which develops POS software such as the CounterPoint line. Synchronics now will operate as the Radiant Retail Division based out of Memphis, Tenn. Goldstein, who will oversee software development and strategy, said the company plans to add new staff members in 2006. “By joining with Radiant, we will be able to deliver more value and capabilities to our partners,” Goldstein said. The acquisition also strengthens Radiant’s reach into the retail industry, said John Heyman, CEO of Atlanta-based Radiant.
SCP Earnings Mark 12 Years of Growth
For the 12th consecutive year, SCP Pool Corp. reported record annual net sales and net income. Earnings per share for the year ended Dec. 31, 2005, increased 26 percent to $1.50 per diluted share on net income of $83.6 million. Net sales for 2005 increased 18 percent to $1.55 billion, up from $1.31 billion in 2004. The company said the results were due to a number of factors: growth in the installed base of pools, well-executed sales and service programs, as well as the acquisition of new service centers such as the Horizon branches in October 2005. Covington, La.-based SCP operates more than 240 service centers.
Entrapment Standard Moves Forward
The much-anticipated anti-entrapment standard, ANSI/IAF 7, appears to be one step closer to approval. It passed through its second comment period, which became necessary after the first version received a high volume of negative comments. Carvin DiGiovanni, APSP’s senior director for technical, educational and government relations, said this version went more smoothly, with most issues focused on language clarification. Next, those who filed negative comments will be shown proposed changes. Any who remain dissatisfied will have their comments circulated throughout the full canvass voting ballot group, which will decide how to proceed. DiGiovanni expects to present the standard for a final vote in June.
Marquis Grants 200th Wish
Eight-year-old Alicia is the 200th child to receive a Marquis spa through the “In the Spirit of the Wish” campaign. The McMinnville, Ore., girl has methylmalonic acidemia, a genetic disorder that makes the body unable to properly process certain proteins and fats. Alicia is unable to speak and has limited movement control, but she can show facial expressions, such as a smile. Her request for her own spa was granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Oregon, and help from Independence, Ore.-based manufacturer Marquis Spas, and Marquis Casual Living stores.
Patio Pools & Spas Renamed
Patio Pools & Spas, a Pool & Spa News Top Builder, has renamed its retail division “The Backyard Store by Patio Pools.” The Tucson, Ariz.-based company will open its sixth location in Marana, Ariz., April 1, and two more in the Grand Canyon State later this year.
Spatex Attendance Increases
Spatex ’06, held Feb. 17 in Hampshire, England, enjoyed a 6 percent increase in attendance this year. The exhibition for professionals in the pool, spa and sauna industry also saw approximately 30 percent of
visitors spending two or more days at the show. The Workshop Programme was successful,
attracting more than 500 attendees during the entire show. Some of the new products on display included titanium heating elements, handheld photometers and infrared saunas.
Virtual Store Relocates Base
PoolPartsOnline.com, a virtual pool parts store, has successfully completed its relocation from New York to Central Florida. To accommodate quicker delivery times, six more distribution centers have been added to the company’s network.
