XDC and FTT to pool forces

Monday 11 January 2010 18:00

Since the end of 2009 Film Ton Technik (FTT) forms part of XDC International.

Having co-operated successfully in the field of digital cinema for more than 4 years, XDC SA, European leader in digital cinema services, and FTT, a Düsseldorf-based distributor and integrator of cinema equipment, decided to strengthen their relationships even further. For this purpose, XDC took over the majority of shares in FTT group at the end of 2009. In return, Thomas Rüttgers, managing partner of FTT, became shareholder in XDC International and member of the Supervisory Board. 

This combination aims at promoting digital cinema deployment together and at offering the exhibitors a comprehensive service network for both, technical and commercial issues. 

Serge Plasch, CEO of XDC, said: “I am delighted that we could put the cooperation between FTT and its subsidiaries on a new platform.” He stressed that the past had shown that FTT was a perfect partner for XDC to boost the digital rollout on a European scale. Mr. Plasch sees the advantages of the new partnership in customer service, in particular: “We have always focussed on a premium local technical service for exhibitors and with the integration of FTT into the XDC group we will be able to provide some extra benefits for the exhibitors.”

Thomas Rüttgers also underlines the benefits of the partnership: “Last year, digital cinema really gained momentum and that trend is even likely to accelerate in 2010.” According to his statement it is most important to set the right standards now. Mr. Rüttgers remarked that especially customer service via a Network Operation Centre and a database system were important aspects and both XDC’s know-how and expertise in this context went without saying: “We are convinced that XDC is the competent partner to meet all challenges involved with the digital rollout“, he said.

However, the proven internal company structure of FTT will remain unchanged: Thomas Rüttgers will remain chairman of the company management and, hence, the leading force of FTT group. In this context, it is evident that FTT will continue to operate under its present brand name. Hannsdieter Rüttgers, founder of the company, welcomes the current development: “In the digital age a comprehensive network of partners is essential for being able to offer your customers an attractive service package.”

The first project of both companies in the framework of their new partnership will be the implementation of the first 100 VPF screens in Germany. At the end of last year, this magic threshold was already achieved and digital installations e.g. at sites in Bad Tölz, Güstrow, Mönchengladbach, Walldorf and Zweibrücken will start in the upcoming months.

 About XDC

XDC is the European leader for Digital Cinema technology and services in Europe with more than 1.350 committed digital screens in 11 European countries (Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Austria, Portugal, Belgium, The Netherlands, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland) out of which 50% have already been deployed. XDC HQ is based in Liege (Belgium) and provides end-to-end digital cinema solutions including equipment supply, financing (VPF, leasing, etc.), training, installation and 24/7 maintenance, as well as content processing and delivery. The company is the first entity to have VPF digital cinema deployment agreements with all 6 major US studios Warner, Fox, Universal, Paramount, Sony and Disney for a total of 8,000 digital screens in 22 European countries. Besides its financing program with ING Lease, XDC has set up a global financing of 100 millions Euros with a bank consortium led by BNP Paribas Fortis to allow the VPF roll out of 2,000 digital screens for its European deployment program. XDC Digital Content Lab has been processing more than 600 different titles, and offers a full service including mastering, duplication, key management, 24/7 helpdesk, extranet tracking, physical/virtual delivery. Last but not least, XDC is also very active in Alternative Content by offering a full service from booking and promotion up to delivery, reporting and box office collection. For further information see www.xdcinema.com. 

About FTT

FILM-TON-TECHNIK Hannsdieter Rüttgers GmbH (FTT) is based in Düsseldorf. As a cinema service provider with 50 years of experience FTT has already implemented a large number of projects for multiplexes and independent cinemas in Germany and abroad and has got subsidiaries in Austria, Hungary, Poland and the Netherlands. Apart from project planning as well as selling and installing traditional 35mm technology FTT has been active in the field of digital cinema and electronic advertising for more than 7 years and established itself as a system integrator. For further information see www.ftt-online.de.