Deluxe Acquires Centro

SYDNEY, Feb. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Deluxe Entertainment Services Group Inc. announced today that it has acquired Centro Digital Pictures, a leading provider of high-quality VFX, Animation and Post Production services to Chinese and U.S. feature filmmakers based in Hong Kong.   

The Centro acquisition will be integrated into Deluxe Australia's well-established post, animation and distribution businesses, providing a trusted gateway for Deluxe's international customers looking to partner with Hong Kong and Chinese filmmakers.  By bringing Centro into the Deluxe group of businesses, it will also provide access for regional content producers looking to finish and deliver high quality content into North American and European markets.

Centro's feature credits include the pioneering "Storm Riders" which it also produced; Stephen Chow's " Kung Fu Hustle " and "Shaolin Soccer"; Quentin Tarrantino's " Kill Bill ";  " Mr Popper's Penguins" for 20th Century Fox;Zhang Yimou's "The Curse of the Golden Flower" and Disney's "The Muppets."

"We are very excited about the new opportunities for Centro as we join Deluxe's global organization, " said John Chu, General Manager of Centro. "We have a common commitment to delivering the highest possible quality of customer experience."

"As one of the pioneers of digital post production, animation and visual effects in Hong Kong, Centro has brought together a tremendously talented team over the past twenty years to support the Chinese and Hong Kong filmmakers working in the region, said Alaric McAusland, Managing Director of Deluxe Australia. Under John Chu's leadership, Centro has grown to be a leading provider not just for local but international filmmakers as well," added McAusland.

Chu will continue to run the business reporting to McAusland. Centro's talent pool of VFX and animation artists is joining Deluxe as part of the transaction.