Sky welcome Commerce Commission clearance for OSB sale | Sky - Sky

Sky and NEP New Zealand welcome Commerce Commission clearance for OSB sale

4 February 2021

Sky and NEP New Zealand are pleased to confirm that the Commerce Commission has granted clearance for NEP to purchase the assets of Outside Broadcasting Limited (OSB).
Sky Chief Executive Sophie Moloney welcomed the positive decision. “Our new partnership with NEP, which includes a ten-year services agreement, ensures that Sky will continue to deliver world-class sport coverage to our customers. Working with NEP, we will be able to bring to New Zealand’s shores the best advancements in the Outside Broadcast (OB) technology world, without incurring those substantial costs ourselves.”

Acknowledging the skills and commitment of the OSB team and those members of the Sky sport production team who will also move across to NEP, Sophie said: “We will continue to work very closely with our outside broadcast crews, and I thank each and every team member for their commitment and professionalism during this lengthy process. We look forward to continuing to work together as one team to keep delivering world class sport experiences to our customers.”

Soames Treffrey, President of NEP Australia and New Zealand, said: “We are delighted to finally receive regulatory approval so that we may begin the collaborative process to transition the OSB team into NEP. We look forward to providing opportunities for training and experiences at events not only in New Zealand but around the world with a view to how those learnings can benefit the quality of content production in New Zealand. Our commitment to excellence and investment in the best of outside broadcasting technology supports Sky’s vision for the future of sports broadcasting in New Zealand.”

The transaction involves the sale of six High Definition OB units and equipment and transfer of two OSB warehouse facilities.

The remaining terms of the transaction, including purchase price and services agreement, are confidential between the parties.

NEP and Sky will now discuss and confirm the transition process with their teams and details will be provided in due course.