US investment firm Carlyle has acquired video streaming and remote production solutions provider LiveU from investor Francisco Partners.
Financial details of the transaction, which is subject to regulatory approvals, have not been disclosed.
LiveU, founded in 2006, provides a bonded cellular technology-based live video transmission platform to major live broadcast news networks and sports content owners globally. The end-to-end solution combines acquisition, cloud production and IP distribution.
The technology, used by over 3,000 customers in more than 130 countries, supports the growing demand for live news and sports content and the requirement to broadcast from remote and non-stationary locations, in particular as video quality requirements have increased in the era of 4K and 8K broadcasting.
Carlyle will use its experience in the media tech sector to support LiveU’s growth ambitions, represented by existing investments in Disguise and NEP alongside prior investments including The Foundry, Vubiquity, BTI Studios and The Mill. The investment company will seek to further consolidate LiveU’s market position through M&A activity and organic growth while capitalising on the growing demand for live video transmission.
This trend is expected to accelerate with the rollout of 5G, and as media production in the cloud progresses, increasing the requirements for flexible and remote operations.
“We’re excited to partner with Carlyle as we look to expand LiveU’s global footprint and service offering. This is a significant milestone for LiveU and represents a strong vote of confidence in our business,” said Samuel Wasserman, CEO and Co-Founder of LiveU.
