Capabilities, Infrastructure of NOB Cross Media Facilities to Enhance Technicolor Network Services’ European Footprint, Service Offering, and Client Base
(PARIS, France - October 10, 2006) Thomson (Euronext 18453; NYSE: TMS) today announced it is expanding its Technicolor Network Services business in Europe by taking over NOB Cross Media Facilities (NOB CMF), 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, including media companies, content owners, channel operators, and out-of-home and corporate media networks. 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, NOB CMF provides broadcasting, narrowcasting, and multimedia support services to the Dutch media and entertainment industries. 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 digitization 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. NOB CMF also offers content distribution to IPTV and mobile platforms, and has sophisticated media asset management systems for digital storage and retrieval of media content. The company’s 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. Revenues of NOB CMF reached 50M€ in 2005.
The transaction expands Thomson’s capabilities in live broadcasting, digital asset management and storage, and design and technology. Thomson offers its customers an end-to-end solution, including systems design, proprietary and open-standard architecture and applications, content preparation and management, and distribution of live, pre-recorded and on-demand digital content. The Dutch facilities complement Technicolor Network Services’ existing European facilities in Paris and London. Its global network services activities now span the U.S., 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.”
About Technicolor Network Services
Technicolor Network Services, part of the Services division of Thomson, provides clients with broadcast playout services by offering an online digital content distribution network that supports multiple origination platforms, including cable, broadcast, and direct-to-home. In addition, Technicolor Network Services addresses the out-of-home marketplace with a full range of network design and management services. For more information:
http://www.technicolornetworkservices.com
About NOB Cross Media Facilities
Based in Hilversum, The Netherlands, NOB Cross Media Facilities (NOB CMF) is a subsidiary of NOB Holding, N.V., and the leading provider of analog and digital broadcasting and narrowcasting services, and related multimedia services, to the Dutch media and entertainment industries. NOB CMF oversees the broadcast operations for all Dutch public television and radio channels, and several Dutch commercial television channels. The company has also designed and developed most of the country’s broadcast playout facilities to support public and private sector clients, including MTV, SBS, Talpa, and Versatel. For more information:
http://www.nob.nl
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