NEP Group Acquires BSI, Further Boosting Specialty Capture Services

Leading wireless camera, audio provider is that latest in NEP's run of acquisitions

In a deal that unites two of the biggest names in live-sports production, NEP Group has acquired Baltimore-based wireless-equipment and -services provider Broadcast Sports International (BSI). The company’s solutions include wireless camera systems, wireless audio systems, wireless communications systems and digital technology to receive, decode and distribute images and sounds. The move brings one of the market leaders in RF wireless equipment, facilities, and coordination under the NEP umbrella and marks the latest in a string of acquisitions by NEP in recent years. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

BSI adds wireless capabilities to NEP’s growing line of Specialty Capture Services, which already includes Bexel’s specialized engineering systems and production solutions (acquired in 2017), as well as Fletcher’s specialty camera solutions (acquired in October), allowing NEP to offer clients a full range of broadcast services.

The BSI brand will remain in the market and will support NEP and its clients across the globe. Jeremy Pink and Peter Larsson of BSI’s senior management team will continue to run the business, reporting to Mike Werteen, Global President of NEP Broadcast Services.

“We’ve worked alongside BSI’s team for years and share a great deal of respect for their high-quality work and technology,” says Mike Werteen, Global President, NEP Broadcast Services. “BSI and NEP share similar service-oriented cultures centred on delivering exceptional results for our clients, so this is a great fit all around. We’re excited to bring their cutting-edge wireless solutions and talent into the NEP Worldwide Network and to our clients.”

Founded in 1979 by an entrepreneurial team of engineers, BSI is recognized as a leader in in-car cameras for nearly all international racing series, including NASCAR, IndyCar and NHRA, and in wireless cameras and microphones for golf events. The company has a proven track record in deploying wireless audio and video systems in the most challenging sports environments. BSI is fully licensed by the FCC for regular broadcast bands as well as for additional portions of the wireless spectrum for large events. BSI services more than 500 unique venues across the globe, including 200+ golf courses and 100+ auto-racing venues. The company serves the international sports broadcast market via its US and London offices.

BSI’s engineers and technical staff develop proprietary technology to deliver reliable and customized solutions and products for clients. Through its four decades of innovation, BSI has changed the way viewers watch sports, putting viewers in the seat of the driver, over the shoulder of the golfer and “inside the action.”

“I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished at BSI,” says Jeremy Pink, President of BSI. “Combining our wireless talents and technology with an industry leader like NEP will take our business even further and, most importantly, it will benefit our clients by enabling us to provide them with a full suite of broadcast and specialty services.”

In addition to Bexel and Fletcher, other NEP acquisitions over the past two years have included, SIS LIVE in October, FilmGEAR’s business Showcare in August, Big Picture in July, Telerecord in June.