Vitec snaps up Autoscript

Vitec Group plc is adding teleprompting to its slate of product offering following the signing of an agreement to purchase ALC Broadcast Limited, parent company of Broadcast Developments Limited (BDL) and the Autoscript companies.

Joop Janssen, Chief Executive of Vitec Group Broadcast Systems Division, says the acquisition will strengthen Vitec’s portfolio through its strong brand association with Vinten, Vinten Radamec and Sachtler. “It will also drive development of innovative integrated products for use in studios, robotics
and electronic news gathering (ENG) in the field,” he adds.

The move is a fairly natural fit for Vitec as teleprompting products complement its lineup of camera support and accessories. The Autoscript companies, with worldwide sales of 3.5m in 2005, are confident of sustaining the significant growth achieved in recent years.

With groundbreaking innovations such as Voice Activated Prompting,
Autoscript s management are positive that the company will remain at the
forefront of prompting for the foreseeable future.

We are excited about entering into this agreement and believe that Vitec
Group will further strengthen our worldwide position and help us to
continue to develop as the leading teleprompting company, says Michael
Accardi, President, Autoscript USA Inc.

Completion of the deal is expected during Q4 2006 and is subject to
certain conditions being met by ALC Broadcast Limited.