Euro Media Group acquires Netco Sports

In an edition of IBC that looks set to be remembered for its high number of acquisition-related announcements, one of the most significant has undoubtedly beeen Euro Media Group’s purchase of sport second screen solutions specialist Netco Sports.

Created in 2009, the company has become a trusted partner for large-scale sport events and broadcasting players, creating landmark applications for mobiles and tablets for blue-chip sports organisations including FIFA, UEFA, French Football League, Rugby League, Premier League football clubs around the world, Dakar Rally, Vendée Globe, Canal+, Eurosport, Bein Sport and Fox Sport amongst many others.

Netco Sports will operate as a fully integrated service within EMG Content Services, which will add second screen expertise to its existing video processing and management solutions, Video On Demand (VOD) and Over The Top (OTT) services.

EMG Content Services will be headed by Jean-Sébastien Cruz, founder and CEO of Netco Sports, who will report directly to Thierry Drilhon, chairman and CEO of EMG.

Thierry Drilhon, chairman and CEO of Euro Media Group, said: “Second screen is a revolution in the broadcasting ecosystem. Netco is innovative and creates disruptive technologies. This is a tremendous opportunity to combine talents and expertise, to extend and reinforce our group offer to our customers and accelerate our offensive digital strategy. I’m very enthusiastic to welcome Jean-Sébastien Cruz and his entire team to work in further consolidating our position with major sporting corporations.”

Jean-Sébastien Cruz, founder & CEO of Netco Sports, said: “It’s a pleasure to join EMG and approach the market together with a 360° offering. We are looking forward to merging our strong expertise to address our clients needs. EMG and Netco Sports will join forces to provide a winning and unique combination of broadcast and digital innovations in the world of sport.”