Ericsson completes acquisition of Microsoft Mediaroom
By Digital News Asia September 11, 2013
- Deal positions Ericsson as world’s largest provider of IPTV middleware and solutions
- Mediaroom staff integrated into Ericsson business unit, to be called Ericsson Mediaroom
ERICSSON has completed the acquisition of Microsoft’s Mediaroom business and TV solution.
Together with Ericsson’s existing capability, the acquisition places the firm as the world’s largest provider of IPTV middleware technology and solutions in terms of market share, it said in a statement.
As the most deployed IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) platform, with a global market share of around 25%, Mediaroom-powered TV services are offered by nearly 60 of the world’s leading operators, delivering services to almost 13 million households, and close to 24 million set-top boxes, Ericsson said.
“This acquisition places us even more securely at the heart of an exciting and highly innovative industry,” said Per Borgklint, senior vice president and head of Business Unit Support Solutions at Ericsson.
He said the number of IPTV subscribers is expected to grow by more than 18% each year to reach 105 million, and revenue of US$45 billion, by 2015.
“By incorporating Mediaroom into our broad portfolio of solutions, we will ensure our customers have the ultimate partner as they transform towards true TV Anywhere multi-screen services and optimised video delivery in any network,” Borgklint said.
The acquisition also brings to Ericsson a skilled team with deep experience in the development and delivery of innovative IPTV services, the company said.
Mediaroom is based in Mountain View, California, and is comprised of more than 400 people worldwide. The former Mediaroom business unit, including staff, will be integrated into the Ericsson group under the Business Unit Support Solutions, and will be called Ericsson Mediaroom as of Sept 5.
Today's closing follows the announcement on April 8, 2013, that Ericsson was entering into an agreement to purchase Microsoft’s Mediaroom business.
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