STS Acquires CinemaNext U.S., Forging a Cinema Tech Powerhouse

OMAHA, NE – April 13, 2026 – In a landmark move poised to reshape the North American cinema technology landscape, Strong Technical Services (STS) today announced its acquisition of CinemaNext U.S. and its manufacturing division, Kneisley Manufacturing. The deal unites two of the sector's most respected service providers, creating a single entity with an unparalleled nationwide footprint for technical installation, remote support, and specialized parts manufacturing.

The acquisition effectively combines the strengths of three distinct industry legacies: the expansive field service network of STS, the robust remote support infrastructure of CinemaNext U.S. (formerly the well-regarded Sonic Equipment Company), and the historic manufacturing prowess of Kneisley. This integration establishes a comprehensive, end-to-end solution for movie theaters, themed entertainment venues, and commercial AV clients, signaling a significant consolidation within a historically fragmented market.

A New Industry Titan Emerges

The strategic combination of these companies creates what leaders are calling a "technical powerhouse." Strong Technical Services, already the largest independent cinema field service organization in the United States with technicians in every major metropolitan market, now gains the sophisticated remote monitoring and support capabilities honed by CinemaNext U.S. and its predecessor, Sonic Equipment. This is further bolstered by the vertical integration of Kneisley Manufacturing, an addition that promises to streamline the supply chain for critical hardware and custom parts.

"We are incredibly excited to welcome the CinemaNext U.S., Sonic, and Kneisley teams into the STS family," said Blake Titman, President and CEO of Strong Technical Services, in a statement. "This acquisition is about bringing together the best technical minds in the business to create a more resilient and responsive service platform. Our customers will benefit from a deeper pool of expertise, faster response times, and a continued commitment to the high-touch service they’ve come to expect from both organizations."

For the global CinemaNext brand, the sale marks a strategic pivot. The European-based giant, which had entered the American market by acquiring Sonic Equipment Company in late 2023, will now exit the U.S. to concentrate its resources on its dominant position across Europe and Africa. This move allows it to accelerate investments in proprietary software and automation tools for those core markets.

"Joining forces with STS is the right next step for our employees and our customers in the United States," commented Jean Mizrahi, President of CinemaNext. "The combined resources of STS and CinemaNext U.S. create a technical powerhouse capable of supporting the evolving needs of the cinema industry as technology continues to advance."

Reshaping the Competitive Landscape

The acquisition is more than just a merger; it's a fundamental shift in a market where no single company previously held a dominant share of motion picture and theatrical equipment services. By combining STS's extensive W2-employee field force with CinemaNext’s 24/7 Network Operations Center (NOC) expertise, the new entity establishes a formidable competitive advantage. This unified structure is designed to offer a seamless service experience, from initial installation and preventative maintenance to immediate remote troubleshooting and on-site emergency repairs.

Prior to the deal, the market was served by a variety of specialized providers, including American Cinema Equipment (ACE), Digital Media Systems, and Magna-Tech Electronic Co., each carving out a niche in design, installation, or support. The newly expanded STS now directly challenges this model by offering a single point of contact for a comprehensive suite of services. The integration of Sonic Equipment's legacy is particularly noteworthy; founded by B&B Theatres' technical team, Sonic built a strong reputation for serving community-owned theaters and independent exhibitors. This heritage, combined with STS's experience supporting major multiplex chains, positions the new company to cater to the entire spectrum of the exhibition industry.

The combined entity, which will operate entirely under the Strong Technical Services brand, aims to leverage this scale to set new standards for reliability and innovation, putting pressure on competitors to adapt to a new, more integrated service paradigm.

The Integrated Advantage: From Field Service to Manufacturing

The true synergy of this acquisition lies in the deep integration of distinct operational strengths. STS brings its established reputation for on-the-ground technical excellence, deploying elite engineers for everything from large-scale technology deployments to mission-critical support. This is now seamlessly connected to the robust remote diagnostics and support systems developed by CinemaNext U.S., which globally supports thousands of screens. The result is a proactive and reactive service model capable of identifying and often resolving issues before they impact operations, dispatching field technicians with greater speed and precision when necessary.

The inclusion of Iola, Kansas-based Kneisley Manufacturing is a critical component of this strategy. By bringing specialized hardware production in-house, STS gains significant control over its supply chain. This move mitigates dependencies on third-party suppliers, reduces potential delays, and allows for greater agility in developing custom parts and solutions for clients. For an industry increasingly reliant on sophisticated and often proprietary technology—from laser projectors to immersive audio systems—the ability to manufacture and source parts internally is a powerful differentiator. This vertical integration ensures that STS can not only service complex systems but also engineer and provide the physical components required to keep them running at peak performance.

Beyond the Multiplex: Growth in Commercial AV and Entertainment

While the immediate focus is on the cinema exhibition market—an industry enjoying steady growth and a "premiumization" trend toward high-end experiences like IMAX and Dolby Cinema—the implications of the acquisition extend far beyond the multiplex. STS has long been a key player in the themed entertainment and commercial AV sectors, and its newly expanded capabilities are set to accelerate growth in these areas.

The same end-to-end technical support ecosystem that benefits a cinema chain is equally valuable to a theme park, museum, sports stadium, or corporate campus. These venues rely on complex, integrated AV systems, digital signage, and lighting that demand high-uptime and specialized support. With a larger network of field engineers, advanced remote monitoring, and in-house manufacturing, STS is now better equipped than ever to design, install, and maintain these large-scale, mission-critical systems. The company's ability to offer a comprehensive managed services package, from content delivery to 24/7 support, provides a compelling value proposition for venue operators seeking to enhance the guest experience through technological excellence.

As the lines between entertainment, commercial, and public venues continue to blur, the demand for a single, reliable technology partner is growing. By uniting the foremost experts in field service, remote support, and hardware manufacturing, Strong Technical Services has strategically positioned itself not just to lead the cinema tech industry, but to become a central force in the broader evolution of immersive and commercial environments across North America. The integration process is now underway, with a stated focus on ensuring a seamless transition for all existing clients and partners who now find themselves supported by one of the most comprehensive technical service organizations in the industry.