Acquisition of Camera Corps Ltd

Camera Corps is a world leader in supplying speciality remote cameras and remote tracking systems, camera support systems and full service facilities to broadcasters of international and regional events. The company is renowned for its delivery of high quality broadcast solutions through its continued investment in new camera systems, and the development and manufacture of bespoke camera systems.

Based at Byfleet, in London, Camera Corps has achieved a pre-eminent reputation for its ability to acquire exciting and unusual television content from exceptionally challenging environments. Its extensive range of speciality equipment includes high-level cranes, HD and SD motorised tracking cameras, underwater cameras, bullseye-mounted archery target cameras and fire-proofed high-temperature cameras.

Camera Corps will operate within the company’s Vitec Videocom division, which brings together some of the most respected, sought-after and innovative brands in the camera support industry. The acquisition will complement the existing range of Vitec Videocom products, its high-quality equipment includes lighting, power, tripods, robotic cameras and prompting solutions for the broadcast, media and entertainment markets.

The move represents a key milestone for Vitec, as the acquisition will enable the company to supply HD/SD pan and tilt camera systems to the industry and will pave the way for the Vitec Videocom brands to venture further into additional horizontal sectors including sports, reality television and entertainment.

The Camera Corps core business will complement the innovative robotic camera support solutions offered by market leading Vitec Videocom brand, Vinten Radamec. The specialty products offered by Camera Corps are a natural fit with Vinten Radamec’s extensive range of robotic heads, pedestals and controllers. Full robotic support solutions will be available for major projects, such as Summer and Winter Olympic events.

Vitec Group brand Bexel, a company that rents and sells high quality broadcast equipment, will also work alongside Camera Corps Ltd. Bexel will incorporate Camera Corps key products such as the small, flexible robotic cameras, into its rental range to enhance its existing rental portfolio for broadcast.

The acquisition will be of mutual benefit to Vitec Group and Camera Corps as it allows both companies to benefit from each other’s channel partners to widen their reach world-wide.

Joop Janssen, CEO Vitec Videocom, says: "We are delighted with the acquisition of Camera Corp, which is a world-class business that will complement the market leading companies already sitting under Vitec Videocom. One of our key aims has been to encourage multi-brand system sales of our globally recognised broadcast, film and pro-video products to simplify the way customers do business worldwide.

“This acquisition will enable us to do just that. We look forward to the opportunity of exploring new sectors and the integration of Camera Corps products into our existing solutions.”

Laurie Frost, CEO, Camera Corps Ltd, adds: “This acquisition is a major step forward for our company. The Vitec Group is a giant in the broadcast industry, and with its heritage, experience and renowned products, this will open up a great number of opportunities for us. Innovation has been a key feature of Camera Corps success and we share the same vision, commitment and objectives as the other leading brands operating within the Vitec Group. We have a vast amount of experience in areas such as major sporting events and we look forward to working with brands like Vinten Radamec to providing the highest levels of service and solutions to customers.”