Deluxe Entertainment Services Group has finalized its previously announced acquisition of Rainmaker’s post-production and visual effects business in Vancouver, as well as its visual effects operation in London. The deal does not include Rainmaker’s animation business in Vancouver.

‘We are pleased that the Minister of Canadian Heritage approved the deal,’ said Cyril Drabinsky, president and CEO of Deluxe Entertainment Services Group, in a release. ‘A talented group of people are joining our worldwide operation,’ he added.

The high-flying loonie has had a negative impact on Canadian post houses, creating a prime acquisition climate for international players such as Deluxe, which finally makes its entry into the Vancouver market. The deal provides the company with its missing link in Canada, as its chief rival, Technicolor, has been servicing Hollywood shoots in B.C. for years.

After the acquisition was originally announced, Dan McLellan, EVP and GM of Deluxe Toronto, told Playback that ‘Rainmaker’s visual effects operations in London and Vancouver are an ideal fit with our CIS Hollywood visual effects shop.’

It ‘adds to our capacity and ability to bid on bigger jobs,’ McLellan added. ‘We will be able to lend the Vancouver operation some of our expertise with respect to attracting feature films to the facility.’

Deluxe says it is currently evaluating the feasibility of installing its EFILM digital intermediates services in Vancouver.

With a new facility to open in New York this spring and Rainmaker under the new Deluxe Vancouver banner, the post giant now believes it is established in all the key filmmaking markets around the world.

Other recent takeover deals in the post world have seen Frantic Films’ FX business sold to Indian post shop Prime Focus, as well as Toronto’s creativePOST buying cross-town rival Eyes Post Group. A wave of consolidation is creating bigger players that are better able to compete, both nationally and abroad.

With files from Cheryl Binning