The SIM Group has reached an agreement in principle to acquire  Hollywood post facility Chainsaw to expand its U.S. footprint.

Terms of the acqusition deal were not disclosed.

But Chainsaw, which posts unscripted and live TV shows like American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance, will operate as a division of Toronto-based SIM after the merger deal is completed.

The deal aims at expanding SIM’s post-production reach into unscripted and live-event TV, which Chainsaw specializes in.

Founded in 1996 by Bill DeRonde , Chainsaw’s TV credit include The Academy Awards, The Kennedy Center Honors, Real Husbands of Hollywood, America’s Got Talent and The 25^th Anniversary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Concert.

The Chainsaw deal follows a period of rapid expansion for SIM, which was founded by Rob Sim in 1982 and today comprises three core businesses, SIM Digital, Bling Digital and PS Production Services, offering film and TV producers end-to-end service packages.

With offices in Los Angeles, Toronto, Vancouver, Atlanta, Halifax and Beijing, SIM’s film and TV credits include Fargo, Suits, Pacific Rim, Hell on Wheels and The Vampire Diaries.

Photo:  (l to r) Bill DeRonde, Mike Polito, James Martin, Chris Parker