XDC, the Belgium-based digital cinema services company, has acquired Dusseldorf-based cinema equipment firm FTT.

The move aims to strength the two companies’ position in the digital cinema market by offering exhibitors a network covering both technical and commercial issues.

The deal, which was completed just prior to Christmas, will see FTT managing director Thomas Ruttger become a shareholder in XDC International and a member of the supervisory board. The FTT name will be retained and Ruttger will also remain chairman of the FTT board.

Serge Plasch, chief executive of XDC, said: “Last year, digital cinema really gained momentum and that trend is even likely to accelerate in 2010.

The first project for both companies using their new structure will be the implementation of the first 100 virtual print free (VPF) screens in Germany.