Gulf Coast Signs buys competitor

Gulf Coast Signs of Sarasota Inc. bought Images Graphics Specialties of Fort Myers. Gulf Coast Signs president Hidayet Kutat says the transaction will double its nationwide market capitalization.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

IGS founder and president John Hose will remain with Gulf Coast Signs as its executive vice president of sales and marketing. Several other key members of IGS' staff will be retained as well, a release said.

“John and I have known each other for more than seven years,” says Kutat. “Historically, when it made sense, we shared resources.”

Gulf Coast Signs' client list includes Clark Construction LLC, Willis A. Smith Construction, and Hennessy Construction.