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http://www.ex-bbc.net/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl >> News and Comment >> OBs sold off http://www.ex-bbc.net/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1204898779 Message started by Forum Admin on Mar 7^th, 2008, 2:07pm

Title: OBs sold off
Post by Forum Admin on Mar 7^th, 2008, 2:07pm

This is the text of a BBC news release:

BBC announces successful bidder for BBC Outside Broadcasts
Date: 07.03.2008

The BBC has announced its selection of SIS as preferred bidder for the Outside Broadcasts division of commercial subsidiary, BBC Resources Ltd ("BBC Outside Broadcasts"), subject to contract.

SIS has been selected following a rigorous evaluation process of bids from financial and industry buyers.

The BBC intends to exchange contracts and transfer the Outside Broadcasts business and staff in the near future.

BBC Outside Broadcasts is one of the UK's leading providers of outside broadcast production facilities and services to both the BBC and other customers.

It operates a large fleet of television production units plus sound, support and communications vehicles and award-winning special cameras.

The business supports events ranging from music festivals, drama productions and major state occasions, to Wimbledon, the Olympics and World Cup football.

Andy Thornton, Project Director, said: "SIS offered the BBC a good deal and best value for licence fee payers; they have shown a real desire to grow the business and have committed to a long-term relationship with the Corporation, securing the future for some of the most vital services supporting BBC output."

SIS Chief Executive David Holdgate commented: "This is an ideal acquisition for SIS; it's a perfect fit with our existing SISLink and sports coverage, and crosses all parts of our business. SISLink markets its services to a very similar customer base.

"The quality of the BBC's outside broadcasts is legendary and we are delighted that SIS will be working closely with the talented staff that deliver these services, and will have its part to play in helping them build on that reputation over the years to come."

The BBC believes it can continue to build on its strong relationship with the business once it is under new ownership.

SIS will provide opportunities for growth and investment that are not available whilst the business is owned by the Corporation, with the stability of fixed-term contracts in place with the BBC.

Mark Tugwell, Director, BBC Outside Broadcasts, said: "It's time for our business to flourish under new ownership, without the constraints of BBC ownership.

"The decision is absolutely right for our business and for our staff, and I'm looking forward to working with SIS to realise our potential."

As well as delivering a good deal for the BBC, SIS has also given assurances on pensions, and terms and conditions for staff in the Outside Broadcasts business.

The sale follows a review of the Corporation's commercial businesses.

Last summer, BBC Outside Broadcasts, BBC Studios and BBC Post Production, which operate under the BBC Resources Ltd banner, were put up for sale.

Due to the complex nature of this process the BBC has decided to complete the sale of its Outside Broadcasts business first whilst continuing discussions for Post Production.

The Studios business will be retained by the Corporation.

Notes:

About BBC Outside Broadcasts

BBC Outside Broadcasts, part of the BBC's commercial subsidiary, BBC Resources Ltd, owns a large fleet of 15 television production units plus sound, support and communications vehicles and award-winning special cameras, and operates out of self-contained premises in Langley.

The business supports events from music festivals, drama productions and major state occasions, to Wimbledon, the Olympics and World Cup football.

For more information: www.bbcresources.com.

About SIS

Satellite Information Services Limited (SIS) is a long-established media business and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Satellite Information Services (Holdings) Ltd (SISH).

SISH is owned by a combination of leisure and financial investors.

The business focuses on TV production, broadcasting and the provision of live pictures and data via satellite from two key sites in London and Milton Keynes.

It is the foremost supplier of television programming and data services to the UK and Ireland betting industry.

In addition, it has long-term, high value contracts with other leading broadcasters, such as Sky and ITV, to provide live coverage of news and sports events, including Formula 1 and Rugby World Cup.

SIS has recently launched services in the United States in partnership with Intelsat, the world's largest supplier of fixed satellite services.

Title: Re: OBs sold off
Post by Forum Admin on Mar 12^th, 2008, 9:48pm

This is taken from Ariel, w/c March 10 2008:

HARDLY A FLOCK OF BUYERS AFTER ALL
Studios stay in-house while OB people get 'very good deal' as they split from Resources by Sally Hillier

The planned disposal of Television Centre within five years proved a key stumbling block in the effort to find a buyer for BBC studios, it has emerged.

'It was a tricky process,' Andy Thornton, project director for the sale of BBC Resources, has told Ariel. 'It was hard trying to sell the business when studios are to lose their main home.'

The failure to strike a deal means that the business, which employs 300 people, will remain in-house. With discussions continuing on a possible sale of post production (400 staff), only the 300 members of outside broadcasts have clarity after months of negotiations on the future of Resources.

OBs is set to be sold to SIS (Satellite Information Services), a media business owned by financial and leisure companies including bookmakers William Hill and Ladbrokes, that focuses on tv production, broadcasting and the provision of live pictures and data via satellite.

Contracts will be exchanged and the business and workforce transferred in 'the near future'. Only a few weeks ago the BBC was reporting 'strong interest' in the sale of Resources, so it has surprised some that SIS is the only preferred bidder named so far, although there are still potential buyers for post production, on which a final decision is expected later this spring.

'A bit of a shambles,' is how Bectu official Luke Crawley describes the situation. 'There doesn't appear to be an obvious market and the BBC seems to be getting rid of OBs only because it is determined to sell something,' he says.

However, Andy Thornton points out that the intention all along was to sell Resources either as a whole or in part, and says the BBC is 'extremely pleased' with the outcome.

'The deal with SIS is very good for OB staff, with a defined benefits [final salary] pension scheme, no compulsory redundancies for a year and the same terms and conditions for three years. In fact, some people of the right age [in their 50s] will be able to draw their BBC pension while continuing to work for the new company.'

He adds that SIS is a successful business with a turnover of £130m a year - 'three times that of OBs' - and that it has shown 'a real desire to grow the business' in partnership with the BBC.

Title: Re: OBs sold off
Post by Forum Admin on Apr 1^st, 2008, 4:17pm

This is taken from a BBC News Release, April 1st 2008:

BBC closes deal for Outside Broadcasts

The BBC announced today that it has completed the sale of the Outside Broadcasts division ("BBC Outside Broadcasts") of its wholly-owned commercial subsidiary, BBC Resources Ltd, to Satellite Information Services Ltd ("SIS").

The BBC has received approval for the sale from both the BBC's Executive Board and the BBC Trust.

The business and staff of BBC Outside Broadcasts will transfer to SIS with effect from 1 April 2008.

One of the UK's leading providers of outside broadcast production facilities and services, BBC Outside Broadcasts operates a large fleet of television production units plus sound, support and communications vehicles and award-winning special cameras.

The business supports events ranging from music festivals, drama productions and major state occasions, to Wimbledon, the Olympics and World Cup football.

Under SIS ownership, Outside Broadcasts will continue to provide services to the BBC and other customers.

Andy Thornton, Project Director, BBC, said: "This deal offers us the stability and security of an ongoing relationship, coupled with SIS' commitment to driving innovation and investment.

"Both are vital as we seek to remain relevant and indispensable to our diverse and fast-changing audience."

SIS Chief Executive, David Holdgate, commented: "The chance to acquire something of the size, range and impeccable reputation of BBC Outside Broadcasts is almost a once in a lifetime opportunity, and one that we were determined not to miss out on.

"As well as ongoing relationships with the BBC, we look forward to developing new business across the industry.

"We have bought a business that has fantastic assets in its people, reputation and range of output, and we have substantial plans in place to match that with a modernised equipment fleet, to take advantage of market opportunities."

The sale follows a review of the Corporation's commercial businesses.

As well as delivering a good deal for the BBC, SIS has also given Outside Broadcasts' staff assurances on pensions, and terms and conditions.

Notes:

About BBC Outside Broadcasts

BBC Outside Broadcasts, part of the BBC's commercial subsidiary, BBC Resources Ltd, owns a large fleet of 15 television production units plus sound, support and communications vehicles and award-winning special cameras, and operates out of self-contained premises in Langley.

The business supports events from music festivals, drama productions and major state occasions, to Wimbledon, the Olympics and World Cup football.

About SIS

Satellite Information Services Limited (SIS) is a long-established media business and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Satellite Information Services (Holdings) Ltd (SISH). SISH is owned by a combination of leisure and financial investors.

The business focuses on TV production, broadcasting and the provision of live pictures and data via satellite from two key sites in London and Milton Keynes.

It is the foremost supplier of television programming and data services to the UK and Ireland betting industry. In addition, it has long-term, high value contracts with other leading broadcasters, such as Sky and ITV, to provide live coverage of news and sports events, including Formula 1 and Rugby World Cup.

SIS has recently launched services in the United States in partnership with Intelsat, the world's largest supplier of fixed satellite services.

BBC Press Office