Shamrock Capital signs definitive agreement to become co-owner of BTI Studios through partnership with Altor
Major media and entertainment investors to back globally recognized localization company.
The agreement with Shamrock Capital Advisors, LLC (“Shamrock”) comes hot on the heels of the sale of BTI Studios to Altor Fund IV (“Altor”) in July 2017. Shamrock has a rich history of investment in the media and entertainment sector, having been founded in 1978 by the late Roy E. Disney. Shamrock has its roots in LA and holds an impressive portfolio of current investments.
BTI Studios is one of the leading localization players globally, providing dubbing, subtitling and access services in over 80 languages. Clients are Video-on-Demand (“VoD”) platforms such as Netflix, Amazon and Hulu, major film studios such as NBC Universal, Warner, Disney and Fox, and broadcasters such as Discovery, Turner and Viacom. Klas Johansson, partner at Altor commented, “When we acquired BTI Studios this summer we already had a clear vision of finding a strong partner for this investment to work alongside Altor in supporting BTI Studios to grow its business, especially in the US entertainment segment. Shamrock was at the top of our wish list and I am very happy to see this partnership happen just a few months into our ownership.
Björn Lifvergren, CEO at BTI Studios, commented, “We are thrilled that Shamrock is coming on board, adding a wealth of experience and knowledge in the global media industry. Together with Altor, they will further strengthen BTI Studios’ position as a leading global localization company. Shamrock’s experience in growing world-class companies in the media and entertainment space will be invaluable for BTI and our existing client base.” For Shamrock, BTI Studios is an exciting investment in an attractive and global industry niche led by an impressive management team. The localization market is expected to continue to grow at double-digit rates p.a., driven by increased broadband and smartphone penetration, VoD players’ rapid internationalization, and increased investments in original content to compete for viewers. In addition, new global players are entering the original-content space to strengthen their user ecosystems. Mike LaSalle, Partner at Shamrock commented, “Shamrock is excited to partner with Altor to support Björn and his team at BTI Studios in accelerating their next phase of growth. With a leading global platform, top-tier management team, and track record of delivering high quality solutions and services, BTI Studios is well positioned to capitalize on the globalization and increased demand for premium content.”
For further information please contact:
Tor Krusell, Head of Communications Altor tel: +46 70 543 87 47
About BTI Studios
BTI Studios is among the world’s largest and most renowned localization companies providing dubbing, subtitling, access services and media solutions in any language. Founded in 1995 as Broadcast Text, BTI Studios today operates 21 local facilities globally spanning a network of fully owned local sites across Europe, Asia and the US. BTI Studios’ clients are broadcasters, such as BBC Worldwide, Discovery Networks and Turner; major film studios such as NBC Universal, Warner, Disney and Fox; and VOD Platforms, such as Amazon, Netflix and Hulu. For more information, visit www.btistudios.com.
About Shamrock Capital Advisors, LLC
Shamrock Capital Advisors, LLC is a Los Angeles-based alternative investment firm with approximately $1.9 billion of assets under management investing exclusively in the media, entertainment, and communications sectors. Shamrock partners with strong management teams and takes an active, collaborative approach to creating value in each investment. Shamrock's current investments include Appetize, BTI Studios, Consilio, FanDuel, Giant Creative Strategy, Isolation Network, Maple Media, Mobilitie, Omega Wireless, Questex, RB Media, Screenvision Media, Silvergate Media and Wazee Digital. For more information, visit www.shamrockcap.com.
About Altor
Since inception, the family of Altor funds has raised some EUR 5.8 billion in total commitments. The funds have invested in excess of EUR 3.8 billion in more than 40 companies. The investments have been made in medium sized Nordic companies with the aim to create value through growth initiatives and operational improvements. Among current and past investments are Carnegie Investment Bank, Helly Hansen, Rossignol, Skandiabanken AS, Transcom and SATS ELIXIA. For more information visit www.altor.com.