ITEC Entertainment, an Orlando-based amusement company that works extensively with theme parks, has been acquired by the TAIT global group, a Pennsylvania-based company that develops live entertainment and events.
The acquisition allows TAIT to “establish a presence” in ITEC’s headquarters off South John Young Parkway and Sand Lake Road, though TAIT spokeswoman Jayna Zelman said current employees would not be moving to Orlando. Terms of the deal announced Thursday, were not disclosed.
ITEC Entertainment has worked with Disney World, Universal and other companies to design theme park rides and attractions worldwide since 1985.
In Orlando, the company’s work includes the former Twister: Ride it Out! show at Universal Orlando and The Scriptorium at the Holy Land Experience. ITEC also has offices in Los Angeles and Osaka, Japan, and has worked on projects in countries such as China, Norway and Russia.
Spokespeople for TAIT and ITEC said they hope to expand both companies’ footprints in the live entertainment and experiences industry through the acquisition.
“We felt it was a natural progression to join TAIT’s long legacy of success in the live entertainment industry and rising growth in the theme park and attractions world,” Bill Coan, president and CEO of ITEC Entertainment, said in a statement. “Our combined ingenuity will achieve bigger, better, and more awe-inspiring shows and experiences for our customers.”
Adam Davis, TAIT’s chief creative officer, said the company has “long admired” ITEC’s work and that TAIT is looking forward to collaborating with the company.
When asked if it would lead to the creation of additional local themed entertainment jobs, TAIT spokeswoman Brielle Freeman referred to a release that said TAIT’s presence in Orlando would allow the company to “add capabilities in support of clients locally.”
TAIT’s company group includes businesses such as Brilliant, a staging and design company, Kinesys, a motion control technology business, and productionglue, an entertainment production and management firm.
The company has operated since 1978, and its portfolio includes awards shows such as the Academy Awards and MTV’s Video Music Awards, concerts with artists such as The Rolling Stones and Lady Gaga and live events like Broadway productions. In Orlando, TAIT helped update the Blue Man Group’s show at Universal Studios in 2012.
TAIT announced the acquisition of ITEC from its Lititz, Pa. office, though the company also has offices in New York, Boulder, Colo., Los Angeles and Las Vegas domestically and in cities including London, Hong Kong, Dubai and Tokyo internationally.
krice@orlandosentinel.com
