Green Hippo sold to Spitfire Creative Technologies
Spitfire Creative Technologies has acquired Green Hippo, a developer and manufacturer of award-winning media servers and digital display products with offices in the UK and the US. BCMS advised Green Hippo throughout the transaction.
The strategic move further expands Spitfire’s reach across commercial integration, live events and creative video technology.
Deal commentary
Emma Marlow, CEO of Green Hippo said: “For 18 years Green Hippo and Hippotizer have been part of live events around the world. We have grown well and want to continue growing. Becoming a member of the Spitfire family allows Green Hippo to focus on growing further and faster. We look forward to their strong organisational support, so we can do more to help our customers and users around the world deliver the best live video experiences.”
Spitfire also owns tvONE and Magenta Research, well-known manufacturers of premium video processing and signal distribution products. With complementary technologies, all addressing cutting-edge audio and video, the combined companies will better address a wide range of markets globally from broadcast to large venue entertainment.
“Green Hippo and tvONE each have core competencies in technology and customer focus that, when combined, provide superior solutions for both fixed installation and live events customers,” said Denise Nemchev, President and CEO of tvONE at the time of the transaction in 2018. “Most important is the comprehensive value we bring our customers across the combined platform.”
The companies will continue to go to market with sales, branding, and distribution independently as further growth synergies materialize over the next few quarters.
International interest
BCMS, who led the transaction, commented: “With its blue-chip customer base, sector-leading products and long track record of innovation, Green Hippo was always likely to attract significant investment interest from across the broadcast, events and media markets.
“Alongside trade acquirers from continental Europe, North America and the UK, BCMS received advanced-level interest from numerous private equity funds, attracted by the products and the business’ ongoing potential in a fast-moving, tech-led sector. That said, it was clear from early negotiations that tvONE, with its exceptional R&D record, complementary product hardware, and reach in adjacent markets was the ideal acquirer for this dynamic, innovative business.”
