Catalyst Media Group PLC
07 March 2008
Catalyst Media Group Plc ('CMG' or the 'Company')
SIS Financial Results
CMG today announces that Satellite Information Services Limited ('SIS'), of
which CMG indirectly owns 20.54%, have been selected as preferred bidder for the
Outside Broadcast division of the BBC Resources Limited.
SIS's press release hereby follows:
Satellite Information Services Ltd (SIS) is delighted to have been selected as
the preferred bidder for the Outside Broadcasts division of BBC Resources Ltd.
The BBC announced today that SIS has been chosen following a rigorous evaluation
process, which examined bids from financial and industry buyers. The BBC will
transfer the staff and business to SIS later this year, including the fleet of
television production units, plus sound, support and communications vehicles and
award-winning special cameras. The transfer would mean that SIS will be covering
major sporting events including the Beijing Olympics for BBC television in
August.
This brings together the largest OB provider in the UK with the operator of the
biggest satellite uplink fleet in Europe and follows the announcement last week
of the strategic alliance between SISLink, the broadcasting division of SIS, and
Intelsat, the leading provider of fixed satellite services worldwide, which
enabled SIS to gain access for the first time to the USA.
SIS is now the foremost supplier of television programming and data services to
the UK and Irish betting industry, and also has long-term contracts with other
leading broadcasters such as Sky and ITV, to provide live coverage of news and
sport, including Formula One motor racing, Champions League and the Rugby World
Cup.
The acquisition of BBC Outside Broadcast division gives SIS unparalleled ability
to broadcast most of the world's major sports and news events, as a result of
its unmatched commitment to customer care throughout the broadcast industry.
Since its launch in 1987, SIS has long been recognised by the betting industry
as the main global provider of pictures and data. This acquisition and the
alliance with Intelsat have combined to turn SIS into one of the world's leading
operators in the broadcasting industry.
SIS Chief Executive David Holdgate commented that this was an ideal acquisition
for the company. 'BBC Outside Broadcasts is a perfect fit with our existing
SISLink and sports coverage, and crosses all parts of our business. SISLink
markets its services to very much the same customer base. The quality of the
BBC's outside broadcasts is legendary, and we are delighted that SIS will have
its part to play in building on that legend over the years to come,' he said.
Further information will be provided as appropriate.
Enquiries:
Michael Rosenberg / Anna Prestwich
Catalyst Media Group plc 020 7927 6699
James Harris / Angela Peace
Strand Partners Limited 020 7409 3494
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange