Two 100-year-old broadcast transmission equipment manufacturers have merged. Thomson Broadcast’s acquisition of GatesAir from an affiliate of The Gores Group, an investment firm, has closed. The transaction was announced in April, just before the spring NAB Show. Details were not disclosed.
Thomson Broadcast is headquartered in Paris, France and maintains U.S. operations in West Palm Beach, FL. It says the transaction enlarges its U.S. footprint in the fast-evolving world of broadcast technology.
Thomson Broadcast Chairman Ylias Akbaraly says, “The combined force of these ideal strategic partners will support each other’s growth and the growth of the industry at large. Thanks to its global platform, significant resources, and commercial and innovation expertise, Thomson Broadcast is perfectly positioned to ensure the success of GatesAir’s operations over the long term.” He adds the combination will create a “strong” platform with “improved reach and value-added solutions and services delivered to our customers.”
The closing, “marks the completion of a robust process that evaluated strategic options for GatesAir to accelerate our strong growth to date,” says GatesAir CEO Bruce Swail. “We are delighted with the final outcome of the acquisition process and look forward to working together with our new partners for this next chapter in our eventful story.”
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
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