Hibernia Media, Aldea merger to create global video transport provider

Hibernia Media, the video transport division of Hibernia Atlantic, intends to combine assets and operations with Aldea Solutions Inc., a managed services company in Canada. The deal with create the most powerful global provider of fiber-based video transport with the largest 100% QoS Media Service DTM network in the world, the companies claim. The merger was announced Friday at the International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) in Amsterdam.

The companies believe the merger will offer many customer benefits including a wider geographic reach, with video transport services available across three continents. The combined network will connect high-value media destinations, reaching 28 countries and 75 cities, with 255 on-net locations spanning Europe and North and South America. The entity will operate one of the world’s largest integrated video transport networks, making it a global leader in media transmission, the companies further assert.

The merged company also plans to develop a broader range of video transport products. “Our primary commitment is to ensure a better video transmission experience for our clients,” said Lionel Bentolila, CEO of Aldea.

Bjarni Thorvardarson, CEO of Hibernia Atlantic, Hibernia Media’s parent company, added, “With this merger, we now have an extensive reach, including Central and South America, as well as a new and innovative product suite, to redefine the rules for tomorrow’s video transport for content programmers and distribution companies worldwide.”

The merger will capitalize on Hibernia Media’s recently announced acquisition of TeliaSonera’s MediaConnect business (see “TeliaSonera sells MediaConnect business to Hibernia Media”). “TSIC is excited to be an ongoing partner now supporting the largest video transport network in the world,” said Erik Hallberg, president of TeliaSonera AB. “This merger will serve to further leverage TeliaSonera's extensive fiber network.”

The newly merged company is expected to start operations early in the fourth quarter of 2012, following customary diligence, legal, and regulatory approvals.