Riedel Communications buys Canadian IP video processing firm Embrionix

The Canada-based IP video processing technology firm Embrionix has been bought by Riedel Communications.

The acquisition will “strengthen Riedel’s expertise in IP-enabled hardware and software” and further broadens its portfolio of video solutions, the company said.

Both firms develop and provide signal transport and processing products for the media and entertainment market.

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Montreal, Embrionix is said to employ circa 50 people, the majority of whom are engineers, and have a turnover of around $12m. It maintains design, R&D, and sales offices around the world.

Discussing the deal, Thomas Riedel, the chief executive of Riedel Communications said: “Sometimes, things just fit. Just like Riedel, Embrionix started out as a garage company and has managed to preserve its innovation-driven startup spirit on its way to global success. Our company philosophies are an ideal match, and our product portfolios and competencies complement each other perfectly.

“Riedel is an international player, and we can offer Embrionix all of the benefits of a comprehensive global sales and support infrastructure. Embrionix, on the other hand, has access to unique technologies and proprietary knowledge that will be instrumental in our quest for innovation leadership in the field of video infrastructures.”

Embrionix provides miniaturised high-density IP gateways, IP signal processors, and converters for broadcast video applications.

Since pioneering the use of small form-factor pluggable (SFP) modules for signal processing early in its history, Embrionix has been granted more than 20 patents for its technologies.

With the addition of the Embrionix team, Riedel Communications’ headcount will grow to over 700 employees.

Renaud Lavoie, the CEO of Embrionix, added: “As a hybrid IP environment, Riedel’s MediorNet is trusted by customers around the globe as an ideal bridge to the IP world. Our high-density IP gateway and processing solutions will greatly enhance the MediorNet ecosystem and expand its application areas, making it more powerful than ever.

“In recent years, our young company has experienced phenomenal growth. Now, the partnership with Riedel will further accelerate demand for our technologies and pave the way to an even brighter future. We are thrilled to continue the Embrionix success story as a member of the Riedel family, and I am happy to be part of this journey.”

No financials were revealed.

Riedel Communications, based in Germany, designs, manufactures and distributes real-time video, audio, data, and communications networks for broadcast, pro audio, event, sports, theatre, and security applications.