AE Live targets South-East Asia with acquisition of Ignite

AE Live (AE) has bought the APAC-based television graphics and data solutions business Ignite as it looks to extend its reach in the region.

Formerly known as Namadgi Systems, Ignite will now to be integrated into the AE Live group.

This move will broaden AE Live’s existing footprint in the APAC region, while also increasing its operational and creative resources in Australia and New Zealand.

The deal also affords AE Live a valuable presence in Singapore and Malaysia to complement its other established subsidiaries in South Africa and India.

Ignite is one of the key providers of television graphics and data solutions in APAC with a strong creative division that will bolster AE Live’s resources throughout the group, the company said.

The Ignite brand will be retained for a branch of the business that will act as a global creative agency within the AE Live group, to service federations and broadcasters with a range of creative services.

“We have known and respected Ignite for many years and feel they are a great fit for us at the right time,” explained Nick Baily, chief executive at AE Live. “Their strength as an innovative and creative player is of particular value to us and we look forward to effectively utilising that with our global profile and exposure to some of the world’s biggest events.

“We are also especially excited by the opportunities that exist in South-East Asia,” added Baily. “With our experience and track record of successfully delivering solutions in new territories, aligned with Ignite’s local operational resources and market insight, we feel uniquely placed to service broadcasters and governing bodies throughout the region.”

AE Live is recognised as one of the principal providers of specialist graphics and data services for some of the biggest sporting events on the planet. Its recent projects include host broadcast graphics for the 2019 Rugby and Cricket World Cups, the 2020 WTA Tour, IPL 2020 and Amazon Prime Video’s EPL coverage in the UK.