Catalyst Media Regulatory News (CMX)

7 Mar 2008 16:26

Catalyst Media Group PLC07 March 2008 Catalyst Media Group Plc ("CMG" or the "Company") SIS Financial Results CMG today announces that Satellite Information Services Limited ("SIS"), ofwhich CMG indirectly owns 20.54%, have been selected as preferred bidder for theOutside Broadcast division of the BBC Resources Limited. SIS's press release hereby follows: Satellite Information Services Ltd (SIS) is delighted to have been selected asthe preferred bidder for the Outside Broadcasts division of BBC Resources Ltd. The BBC announced today that SIS has been chosen following a rigorous evaluationprocess, which examined bids from financial and industry buyers. The BBC willtransfer the staff and business to SIS later this year, including the fleet oftelevision production units, plus sound, support and communications vehicles andaward-winning special cameras. The transfer would mean that SIS will be coveringmajor sporting events including the Beijing Olympics for BBC television inAugust. This brings together the largest OB provider in the UK with the operator of thebiggest satellite uplink fleet in Europe and follows the announcement last weekof the strategic alliance between SISLink, the broadcasting division of SIS, andIntelsat, the leading provider of fixed satellite services worldwide, whichenabled SIS to gain access for the first time to the USA. SIS is now the foremost supplier of television programming and data services tothe UK and Irish betting industry, and also has long-term contracts with otherleading broadcasters such as Sky and ITV, to provide live coverage of news andsport, including Formula One motor racing, Champions League and the Rugby WorldCup. The acquisition of BBC Outside Broadcast division gives SIS unparalleled abilityto broadcast most of the world's major sports and news events, as a result ofits unmatched commitment to customer care throughout the broadcast industry. Since its launch in 1987, SIS has long been recognised by the betting industryas the main global provider of pictures and data. This acquisition and thealliance with Intelsat have combined to turn SIS into one of the world's leadingoperators in the broadcasting industry. SIS Chief Executive David Holdgate commented that this was an ideal acquisitionfor the company. "BBC Outside Broadcasts is a perfect fit with our existingSISLink and sports coverage, and crosses all parts of our business. SISLinkmarkets its services to very much the same customer base. The quality of theBBC's outside broadcasts is legendary, and we are delighted that SIS will haveits part to play in building on that legend over the years to come," he said. Further information will be provided as appropriate. Enquiries: Michael Rosenberg / Anna PrestwichCatalyst Media Group plc 020 7927 6699 James Harris / Angela PeaceStrand Partners Limited 020 7409 3494 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange