SIS Buy O21 TV's Business

One of Europe's leading outside broadcast and uplink supplier has agreed to buy the bulk of the assets of an outside broadcast business.
SIS Live has purchased 021 Television from Gravity Media Group and will acquire the state-of-the-art fleet of 021 Television and most of the staff and will also take on 021 Television's customer contracts.
David Meynell, Managing Director, SIS Live, Said: "This is a perfect acquisition as 021 Television is one of the best commercial outside broadcast companies in the country and combined with the SIS Live fleet we will have a compelling offer for clients."
021 Television was originally part of the ITV Group, before being sold to Gravity Media in 2006 and its vehicles retain a distinct operating feel.
They now join the SIS Live vehicles, many of which came from the BBC Outside Broadcasts division acquired in 2008. The combined fleet can offer a variety of operating modes to a broad market of clients.
Phil Aspden, Commercial Director, SIS Live, said: "We are acquiring six large OB trucks, including three of the latest high definition vehicles, which have a strong appeal to the wider broadcast market.
"We have also met with 021's customers to talk about their contracts, and they are happy the business is going to an established company like ours.
"We are looking forward to building on the excellent relationships that 021 have developed over many years and providing an even greater range of SIS LIVE services and increasing the depth of support," he said.
Adrian Young, Gravity Media Group (GMG)'s Corporate Development Director said: "Today's announcement is good news for O21 Television employees and clients.
"The sale will allow the company, as part of SIS Live to continue its development as part of a large, focused outside broadcast business.
"GMG and SIS Live have worked closely together to ensure that our customers will continue to experience the high standards they have come to expect from each organisation," he commented.
John Newton Chief Executive Officer of GMG said: "We have invested heavily in O21 since its acquisition from ITV in 2006 and it is good to see that the business is equipped with the latest technology and has broadened its client base to include Sky, IMG, BBC and MNE as well as maintaining its historically strong links with ITV.
"Scale and spread of clients is the key to maintaining a well invested fleet and an experienced crew – SIS Live is an excellent home for O21 going forward," he commented.
SIS Live has over 70 years experience of covering major sporting and other national occasions.
It currently provides the facilities and personnel to cover everything from Formula One to Wimbledon to the London Marathon and has recently won the contract to supply host broadcast facilities for the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.
The company’s broadcast business has the largest satellite uplink fleet in Europe and is the largest outside broadcast provider in the UK.
(BMcC/GK)