Acquisition Combines Two Premier Sports Technology and Data
Solution Providers and Expands SMT’s Product Offering for Next-Generation
Sports Data, Graphics and Tracking Technologies
LOS ANGELES, CA – Vicente Capital Partners (VCP) announced
today that its portfolio company, SMT (formerly, “SportsMEDIA Technology
Corp.”), a premier provider of sports broadcast, data and live event
technology, completed the acquisition of Sportvision, Inc., a leader of digital
sports content and broadcast enhancements.
This acquisition brings together two of the most respected
sports and entertainment data and graphics companies who in combination have
almost 50 years of industry experience. Sportvision is a leading innovator of
digital sports content, broadcast enhancements and entertainment products for
fans, media companies and marketers, having provided graphical and data
services for over 20,000 broadcasts and events. The Sportvision acquisition
expands SMT’s technology offering with a product portfolio that includes 70
patents and is best known for its Emmy award-winning Virtual Yellow 1st &
Ten line; its MLB pitch and strike-zone tracking system called PITCH/fx; its
NASCAR tracking and pointer system; and for providing data insights for player
development, analytics, coaching and recruiting. In addition to better serving
broadcasters and events, the expanded portfolio uniquely positons SMT to help
sports teams and coaches with next-generation sports data and tracking
technology, as well as sports fans with unique data and content for mobile.
Sportvision is SMT’s second acquisition since the Company
raised growth capital from Vicente Capital in 2010. In 2011, Vicente Capital
sourced and helped SMT acquire IDS, a leading provider of live in-stadium,
event scoring, statistics and display products to sports organization and
high-end sports events such as the U.S. Open, Wimbledon, The Masters and
Olympics. In addition, Vicente Capital sourced and tracked Sportvision for over
two years prior to helping SMT acquire the Company. VCP also provided
additional equity funding for the acquisition of Sportvision, along with
Eldridge Industries and Gerard Hall, SMT’s Founder and CEO.
“SMT’s acquisition of Sportvision is a watershed moment for
us,” said CEO Gerard J. Hall. “Although we have been marketplace competitors
for many years, SMT has always had a tremendous respect for the applied
science, the cutting-edge technology, and the creative innovation that runs
through the DNA of the Sportvision team. While other companies claim to have
had a game-changing impact on how sports are presented, Sportvision enjoys an
unparalleled and industrywide reputation for delivering actual game-changing
solutions.”
SMT board of directors’ member Kirk Brown will act as SMT’s
interim COO with express responsibility for managing the transition and
integration process. Kirk was recruited to the SMT board by VCP and has
30-years of combined COO/CEO and accounting experience where, among other
achievements, he led successful transition efforts of six acquired companies
and the sale of four other companies including a successful transition and exit
of a VCP portfolio company.
“We are thrilled about the acquisition of Sportvision by
SMT,” said Jay Ferguson, Managing Partner of Vicente Capital Partners and board
member of SMT. “The businesses complement each other very well and increase
SMT’s advantage in graphics and data analytics for sports broadcasts and events
by expanding its product portfolio and capabilities. Since VCP’s initial
investment in 2010, SMT’s revenue has grown by 6x and the management team has
added significant talent. We expect SMT to continue to create significant value
for broadcasters, sporting event organizers and sports fans. We look forward to
continuing to support SMT on the next phase of its growth.”