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BBC announces successful bidder for BBC Outside Broadcasts
The BBC has announced its selection of SIS as
preferred bidder for the Outside Broadcasts division of commercial
subsidiary, BBC Resources Ltd ("BBC Outside Broadcasts"), subject
to contract.
SIS has been selected following a rigorous evaluation process of
bids from financial and industry buyers.
The BBC intends to
exchange contracts and transfer the Outside Broadcasts business and
staff in the near future.
BBC Outside Broadcasts is one of the UK's leading providers of
outside broadcast production facilities and services to both the
BBC and other customers.
It 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.
Andy Thornton, Project Director, said: "SIS offered the BBC a good
deal and best value for licence fee payers; they have shown a real
desire to grow the business and have committed to a long-term
relationship with the Corporation, securing the future for some of
the most vital services supporting BBC output."
SIS Chief Executive David Holdgate commented: "This is an ideal
acquisition for SIS; it's a perfect fit with our existing SISLink
and sports coverage, and crosses all parts of our business. SISLink
markets its services to a very similar customer base.
"The quality
of the BBC's outside broadcasts is legendary and we are delighted
that SIS will be working closely with the talented staff that
deliver these services, and will have its part to play in helping
them build on that reputation over the years to come."
The BBC believes it can continue to build on its strong
relationship with the business once it is under new ownership.
SIS
will provide opportunities for growth and investment that are not
available whilst the business is owned by the Corporation, with the
stability of fixed-term contracts in place with the BBC.
Mark Tugwell, Director, BBC Outside Broadcasts, said: "It's time
for our business to flourish under new ownership, without the
constraints of BBC ownership.
"The decision is absolutely right for
our business and for our staff, and I'm looking forward to working
with SIS to realise our potential."
As well as delivering a good deal for the BBC, SIS has also given
assurances on pensions, and terms and conditions for staff in the
Outside Broadcasts business.
The sale follows a review of the Corporation's commercial
businesses.
Last summer, BBC Outside Broadcasts, BBC Studios and
BBC Post Production, which operate under the BBC Resources Ltd
banner, were put up for sale.
Due to the complex nature of this
process the BBC has decided to complete the sale of its Outside
Broadcasts business first whilst continuing discussions for Post
Production.
The Studios business will be retained by the
Corporation.
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.
For more information: www.bbcresources.com.
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.
For further information: www.sis.tv.
BBC Press Office
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