Merchandising giant picks up Kord Design

Point-of-purchase design consultancy Kord Design has struck an alliance with retail merchandising giant RTC Europe.

The acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, will allow eight-strong Kord Design to maintain and grow its position in the marketplace, according to Kord design director Carl Reilly.

RTC will invest in CAD and Internet links between the two businesses. An exchange system will be set up for designers working within the companies.

Details of the alliance, which was announced last week, are still to be thrashed out, Reilly adds. However, Kord is likely to increase its numbers, he says, and will retain its name.

Kord which is based in Leicestershire was set up by Reilly in 1964. Its clients are in the automotive, grocery retail and financial services sector, while RTC Europe’s client base focuses on sports and toys retailing.

“We shall use our combined project management expertise together with our experience of carrying out major projects for international retail groups and brand advertisers to bring more of these ideas to market,” says RTC Industries vice-president Europe John Halliday.

RTC employs 40 designers in its 14 offices worldwide. The company’s headquarters are in Chicago.