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Press Releases
BBC closes deal for Outside Broadcasts
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The BBC announced today that it has completed the
sale of the Outside Broadcasts division ("BBC Outside Broadcasts")
of its wholly-owned commercial subsidiary, BBC Resources Ltd, to
Satellite Information Services Ltd ("SIS").
The BBC has received approval for the sale from both the BBC's
Executive Board and the BBC Trust.
The business and staff of BBC
Outside Broadcasts will transfer to SIS with effect from 1 April
2008.
One of the UK's leading providers of outside broadcast production
facilities and services, BBC Outside Broadcasts operates a large
fleet of television production units plus sound, support and
communications vehicles and award-winning special cameras.
The
business supports events ranging from music festivals, drama
productions and major state occasions, to Wimbledon, the Olympics
and World Cup football.
Under SIS ownership, Outside Broadcasts
will continue to provide services to the BBC and other customers.
Andy Thornton, Project Director, BBC, said: "This deal offers us
the stability and security of an ongoing relationship, coupled with
SIS' commitment to driving innovation and investment.
"Both are
vital as we seek to remain relevant and indispensable to our
diverse and fast-changing audience."
SIS Chief Executive, David Holdgate, commented: "The chance to
acquire something of the size, range and impeccable reputation of
BBC Outside Broadcasts is almost a once in a lifetime opportunity,
and one that we were determined not to miss out on.
"As well as
ongoing relationships with the BBC, we look forward to developing
new business across the industry.
"We have bought a business that
has fantastic assets in its people, reputation and range of output,
and we have substantial plans in place to match that with a
modernised equipment fleet, to take advantage of market
opportunities."
The sale follows a review of the Corporation's commercial
businesses.
As well as delivering a good deal for the BBC, SIS has
also given Outside Broadcasts' staff assurances on pensions, and
terms and conditions.
Notes to Editors
About BBC Outside Broadcasts
BBC Outside Broadcasts, part of the BBC's commercial subsidiary,
BBC Resources Ltd, owns a large fleet of 15 television production
units plus sound, support and communications vehicles and award-winning special cameras, and operates out of self-contained
premises in Langley.
The business supports events from music
festivals, drama productions and major state occasions, to
Wimbledon, the Olympics and World Cup football.
About SIS
Satellite Information Services Limited (SIS) is a long-established
media business and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Satellite
Information Services (Holdings) Ltd (SISH). SISH is owned by a
combination of leisure and financial investors.
The business
focuses on TV production, broadcasting and the provision of live
pictures and data via satellite from two key sites in London and
Milton Keynes.
It is the foremost supplier of television
programming and data services to the UK and Ireland betting
industry. In addition, it has long-term, high value contracts with
other leading broadcasters, such as Sky and ITV, to provide live
coverage of news and sports events, including Formula 1 and Rugby
World Cup.
SIS has recently launched services in the United States in
partnership with Intelsat, the world's largest supplier of fixed
satellite services.
BBC Press Office
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