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UTV Media plc acquires Tibus
13 February 2008
UTV has acquired Tibus in full, from Anderson Spratt Group Holdings, to integrate into its burgeoning New Media division.
UTV New Media currently provides web development, design, hosting and interactivity to a largely retail customer base and broadband and telephony services to the residential market. Tibus expertise will extend these services to commercial and institutional customers.
The online presence of all of UTV Media’s television and radio stations will be enhanced by the acquisition, facilitating much greater integration of media across online and broadcast platforms.
John McCann, Group Chief Executive, UTV Media plc says: “Tibus is a very successful business with web services expertise that will considerably strengthen our New Media division and enable us to drive our multi-media strategy forward.
"UTV broadcasts the most watched programming in Northern Ireland and our expertise in producing entertaining and informative content combined with Tibus’ web expertise will ensure we communicate with our viewers and listeners via online channels, enabling them to contribute, engage and interact with us in a way most suitable and convenient for them, be that TV, radio, web, or mobile.
Colin Anderson, outgoing Chairman of Tibus says: "The acquisition of Tibus by UTV Media plc is both recognition of the exceptional skill-set within the company and in its leadership. Tibus is a best in class company. Since its inception in 1996 it has become one of the most acknowledged businesses in its sector, with major client relationships throughout Ireland and GB for its work in the development of sophisticated e-commerce solutions and cutting edge website creation.
"I have no doubt, now with the total embrace of UTV Media, Tibus will be in an even stronger position to offer its current clients the service they have been accustomed to and equally expand its operations to meet the fantastic opportunities that UTV Media offer."
From L-R: John McCann, Group Chief Executive UTV Media plc, Jeremy Biggerstaff, MD UTV New Media, Gareth Dunlop, MD Tibus, Colin Anderson, Outgoing Chairman Tibus.
Jeremy Biggerstaff, Managing Director, UTV New Media says: "The combined expertise of UTV and Tibus will ensure UTV New Media is a formidable competitor in the web market across the UK and Ireland. UTV New Media has built up a very strong presence in the residential and retail markets throughout Ireland and the integration of Tibus will give us a strong foothold in the business to business market."
Gareth Dunlop, Managing Director, Tibus says: "Our pioneering work in the industry over the past twelve years has empowered us to help our clients do better business by harnessing the power of the web. This acquisition allows us to further serve our current customers, as well as using our suite of skills within the UTV fold to take the UTV web strategy to the next level."
