Thomson is expanding its Technicolor Network Services business in Europe by taking over NOB Cross Media Facilities, a subsidiary of Nederlands Omroepproduktie Bedrijf (NOB).
The transaction enhances Thomson’s ability to deliver global consulting and managed services which facilitate the preparation, management, and electronic distribution of multiple forms of content for a wide range of customers. NOB is the state-owned entity which operates broadcasting facilities, contracts and resources in The Netherlands.
Under the terms of the agreement, Thomson assumes control of the broadcasting facilities, contracts and resources managed by NOB CMF. Based in Hilversum, The Netherlands, the firm supports multiple aspects of the content preparation, management and distribution requirements of Dutch public television and radio channels, and several commercial networks. These operations include content preparation and digitisation in multiple formats, storage and retrieval, newsroom support, contribution management and playout, and infrastructure management services to its radio, television, and cable industry client base. The company also offers content distribution to IPTV and mobile platforms, and has sophisticated media asset management systems for digital storage and retrieval of media content.
Its clients include Netherlands Public Broadcasting, NOS, and the Dutch National Archive (Sound & Vision) in the public domain, and MTV, SBS, Talpa, and Versatel in the private sector. NOB CMF had annual revenues of Euro 50 million in 2005.
The transaction expands Thomson’s capabilities in live broadcasting, digital asset management and storage, and design and technology. The Dutch operations complement Technicolor Network Services’ existing European facilities in Paris and London. Its global network services activities now span the US, Europe, and Asia.
“Thomson’s Technicolor Network Services business is highly regarded around the world for its management of sophisticated broadcast playout and content preparation services for a diverse collection of media and entertainment clients,” said Brian Kelly, president of Technicolor Network Services. “The addition of NOB CMF’s state-of-the-art facilities, service offerings, talented employee base, and high-profile clients further reinforces Technicolor Network Services’ industry leadership in this arena, and augments the company’s ability to meet the myriad needs of European media and entertainment companies.”
“Becoming part of Thomson is an exciting and strategic milestone for us, and one that underscores the tremendous progress which we have made in recent years,” said Ton Tekstra, chief executive officer of NOB Cross Media Facilities. “We look forward to contributing to the ongoing success of Technicolor Network Services, and leveraging Thomson’s global presence and capabilities to further benefit Dutch public and private sector clients, and other European media and entertainment companies.”
