Visual Data Merges With re:fine

US post-production and digital distribution facility Visual Data Media Services has acquired a majority stake in London-based content processing and digital-media provider re:fine.

The deal will provide both partners access to each other's markets, technologies and infrastructure.

John Trautman, CEO of L.A. based Visual Data, will head the new company as CEO and chairman, with re:fine CEO Symon Roue leading the European operation as managing director. The management teams of both companies will remain in place.

Mr Trautman said: "This acquisition will provide a seamless client experience across multiple time zones while simultaneously increasing operational capacity and efficiencies. Client demands have led us to this expansion into Europe and we have found in re:fine a company that shares our vision, excellent client relationships and impressive technological expertise."

Earlier this year, Visual Data undertook to develop a dedicated European hub by investing in a long-term proposition. The newly merged entity will re-brand in 2015.

Symon Roue, chairman of re:fine, said: "International expansion is the next logical step for re:fine. Integrating the skills and services of our two companies means we can respond to client demand for global content processing, localisation and distribution with a 360-degree proposition that will be hard to compete with. The team is incredibly excited about becoming part of Visual Data and together taking our business global."

www.refine-group.com

(IT/JP)