Vitec acquires Camera Corps
Vitec Group Services Division has acquired Camera Corps, the specialist company well-known for its innovative camera systems, such as the Q-Ball HD/SD minicam system, in a reported £8m deal.
“Bexel has been a key US. distributor and rental agent for the Q-Ball camera system for a few years now, making this acquisition a natural fit,” says Jerry Gepner, chief executive of the Vitec Group Services Division. “The Services Division is known for providing world-class solutions to our customers and we look forward to integrating Camera Corps’ innovative products into our upcoming projects. This furthers our efforts as a complete, one-stop broadcast service provider.”
Camera Corps has an unsurpassed reputation for its ability to capture exciting and unusual television content in exceptionally challenging environments. Camera Corps’ Q-Ball is the camera of choice for many reality shows, sports broadcasting and televised stage events, as it is an ultra-compact, remotely controlled camera with an integral 10x zoom optical lens and smooth-accelerating pan/tilt motors. Housed in a robust and fully weatherproof 115-mm diameter aluminum sphere, it is fully compatible with all existing Camera Corps robotic control systems and CCU panels.
Camera Corp’s extensive range of specialty equipment includes high-level cranes, HD and SD motorized tracking cameras, underwater cameras, bull’s-eye-mounted archery target cameras and fireproofed high-temperature cameras. The acquisition complements Vitec Videocom division’s existing range of products, which include lighting, power, tripods, robotic cameras and prompting solutions for the broadcast, media and entertainment markets.
“We are proud to join the Vitec Group at such a monumental time in the industry,” says Laurie Frost, founder and managing director of Camera Corps, who will stay onboard with other senior management. “We share the common goal of creating solutions for our customers that deliver truly compelling images and adhere to the highest technical and service standards.”