Cornflake and Future Systems announce merger

Two of the UK's leading suppliers of home automation technology have merged. Cornflake and Future Systems have combined to create a new business, Cornflake, which the new owners say is well placed to take advantage of an upcoming boom in home automation.

Robin Shephard (pictured top right) and Samantha Hine are joint owners of Cornflake. Shephard, CEO, says: "The companies are a great strategic fit - both operationally and culturally. We will have first-mover advantage in the marketplace that is opening up at the top-end of the residential sector."

Gary Lewis (pictured top left), owner of Future Systems and chairman of the CEDIA UK, said the union marks "a dramatic step-change in our ability to compete in the UK and international markets. Together we have the scale and resources to quickly expand our geographic coverage and offer clients smart technology, backed by round the clock service that will enhance their homes and lives. We are very excited to be riding the crest of this large wave."   

Shephard, Hine and Lewis will all become executive directors of the new company, with each owning a 33 per cent stake

According to figures released by BusinessWire, the UK home automation market in 2011 was worth around £65 million at Distributors Selling Prices (DSP), representing a 12 per cent increase on the previous year. By 2016, it's estimated that this will have risen to some £156 million. Cornflake believes that the growth of smart technology in the UK, from displays to mobile devices, combined with the rapid take-up of digital audio and video streaming is driving demand.

To help educate architects about incoming Smart technology, Cornflake is planning to open a designer-styled, Smart App/artment in central London next month. This experience centre will enable invited clients and architects to road-test the latest technology in a showroom designed to resemble a fully-working modern home. 

For more visit www.cornflake.co.uk.