Sonic to acquire InterActual Technologies

Sonic Solutions has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire InterActual Technologies, the leading provider of solutions for integrating DVD content with the Internet and additional on-disc bonus features, for $8.8 million in cash.
With the acquisition of InterActual, Sonic will further strengthen its leadership position with the Hollywood-based DVD production community and broaden its professional DVD authoring product line with advanced web-linking technologies.
In addition, InterActual’s web-enabled DVD playback capabilities will be integrated into Sonic’s consumer DVD software applications as well as its AuthorScript DVD creation engine, enabling Sonic’s bundle OEMs and technology licensing partners to deliver the best possible connected-DVD experience to their customers.
As a result of the acquisition, Sonic will acquire InterActual’s web-enabling technologies including its portfolio of 17 patents and patent applications, the InterActual Player, and all engineering and service operations.
Key InterActual executives, including Todd Collart, InterActual’s president, and almost all members of staff will join Sonic’s Professional Products or Advanced Technologies business units. Sonic plans to continue to market the InterActual brand and spotlight logo as part of the Sonic product family. Sonic also plans to continue InterActual’s cross-platform licensing strategy to enable third-party DVD players and authoring solutions to play and access InterActual bonus content.
“As the leading provider of DVD creation solutions to Hollywood as well as the leading supplier of DVD and CD creation software on the PC, Sonic is the perfect partner with whom to expand InterActual’s technology and enhance our service offerings to the content community,” said Todd Collart, president of InterActual Technologies. “Joining forces with Sonic greatly strengthens our ability to deliver cutting-edge Internet-connected technology across a broad-range of platforms, especially for our studio partners.”
(GB)