Lightworks acquired by Gee Broadcast

Gee Broadcast Systems Ltd has completed the purchase of the Lightworks business and its assets.
A new company, Lightworks UK Ltd. - a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gee Broadcast - will now develop, sell and support the Lightworks editing products. The sales, support and development operations of Lightworks will remain based at the company’s headquarters in Farringdon, London, UK.
Lightworks’ US sales operation is expected to be strengthened, building on its existing customer base in the Hollywood film industry. Lightworks Touch editing systems are regularly used on major film releases, most recently ‘Bruce Almighty’, ‘Moulin Rouge’, ‘Road to Perdition’ and ‘Gangs of New York’, and on television productions such as ‘Cold Feet’ (UK) and commercials by Touches (Hong Kong).
Keith Gee of Gee Broadcast said: “Lightworks has a global reputation for providing unique editing tools, highly-optimised for their areas of application, and for a long time we’ve felt their technology and ours could work very well together. We’re therefore tremendously pleased, not only to have concluded this prestigious deal, but by the potential it represents for our two companies.”
He continued: “There are many areas where the Lightworks operation fits well with Gee Broadcast and the Geevs Broadcast Video Server. We already have a major joint installation at Mersey TV in the UK (Hollyoaks and Grange Hill production) and we will be working closely together in the weeks and months to come to offer open, but well-integrated, networked solutions.”
Graham Henderson, Head of Development at Lightworks, said: “Lightworks has determinedly carved out a unique niche for itself as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of professional Non-Linear Editing systems. We’ve achieved that reputation through our intimate knowledge of the industry and by delivering exactly what leading editors want. With the acquisition of Lightworks by Gee Broadcast, we’re confident that the company is in the hands of people who share our values and dedication and we’re looking forward to growing our businesses together.”
Fairlight Japan, the previous owners of the Lightworks business, will continue to distribute the Lightworks products in their region.
(GB)