AVI-SPL sells off event division

TAMPA — AVI-SPL announced it has sold its hotel, equipment rental and event production services division to Freeman, a Dallas-based company that specializes in live event production, including trade shows and other exhibits. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

In a letter on AVI-SPL's website, CEO John Zettel said the rental, staging and hotel services division has been part of the firm for 32 years, providing in-house audio-visual support for hotels and convention centers and supporting events with AV equipment rental, video production and live event production services.

Zettel said the sale is part of the company's strategy to focus on audio visual and video products, integration services and managed services. AVI-SPL, which had $554.63 million in 2013 revenues, specializes in video communication tools and systems.

“We plan to continue to partner with Freeman on live event opportunities, and wish Freeman and their new team members much success,” Zettel said in the statement.