Technicolor Receives Binding Offer From FCDE To Purchase Thomson Video Networks

Technicolor has announced that it has received a binding offer to acquire the Thomson Video Networks business from the Fonds de Consolidation et de Development des Enterprises (FCDE).
The FCDE finances the recovery and development of small to medium-sized enterprises demonstrating a strong potential for success. The capital development fund, endowed with approximately 200 million euros, is financed with up to 90 million euros by the Fonds Strategique d'Investissement (FSI) together with the principal banks and insurance companies based in France.
It is managed by the Consolidation et Development Gestion, a minority subsidiary of CDC Enterprises. The FCDE makes long-term investments, strengthens and consolidates shareholders of the firms it finances, stabilises its management process, and eases relations with their banking partners.
The investment includes 100% ownership of everything considered to be part of Thomson Video Networks. This includes the entire portfolio: video encoders/decoders, MPEG processors, video servers, datacasters, network management, monitoring and switching product lines, the associated R&D centres, and the systems activities worldwide. The offer also comprises the Thomson Video Networks' sales and customer support organisations around the world, as well as the various management and administrative support functions. The use of the Thomson brand, which has been synonymous with expertise and innovation at the highest level and a trusted partner to the world's leading broadcasters, is also part of the offer.
The FCDE's offer for Thomson Video Networks recognises the company's market leadership, long history of innovation, technology expertise, impressive product portfolio and the high quality of its personnel. The FCDE's management style is based on close collaboration with the management team of each company it invests in, to guarantee a stable foundation as an independent entity and to ensure strong, steady, continued growth.
Christophe Delahousse, President, Thomson Video Networks, said: "The FCDE is an excellent partner for us, with a management team that possess the knowledge we require to excel as an independent structure and a clear, consistent track record in building up independent companies. The FCDE fully supports Thomson Video Networks in its continued global-growth strategy and sustained investment in R&D so as to ensure constant evolution and technological leadership."
Delahousse added: "Thomson Video Networks is fully satisfied that this deal has very positive benefits both for the company and for its customers, partners, and suppliers. We will be able to develop to our full potential as an independent organisation strongly committed to R&D and our clients will continue to benefit from our innovative product portfolio as well as our remarkable level of customer service, which allows us to quickly respond to evolving market needs."
Charles-Henri Rossignol, FCDE Executive Board Member, said: "We want to help Thomson Video Networks to capitalise on its numerous innovations, impressive product portfolio, high-quality management team, and all of its employees who boast the know-how that is today recognised around the world for its technological leadership in the compression and headend arenas. This investment will allow Thomson Video Networks to reinforce its presence with a renewed product line targeting the most promising market segments - satellite, terrestrial, IPTV and Web TV - and the fastest growing regions (United States, South America and Asia)."
During the transition and beyond, it will be business as usual for Thomson Video Networks' customers, partners and suppliers. Service will continue uninterrupted with all existing contracts, service agreements and warranties honoured according to their current terms. Thomson Video Networks business contacts will remain the same. Until the sale is final, Thomson Video Networks will continue to operate as a business division of Technicolor.
(KMcA)