Move Networks, a provider of Internet TV services whose backers include Comcast, Cisco and Microsoft, announced that it has acquired Inuk Networks, a triple-play service provider based in the U.K.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Inuk, based in Mid Glamorgan, Wales, sells an IP-based television-delivery platform that can provide video to multiple PCs in a home, with targeted advertising and converged applications. Move Networks provides Web-based software to deliver high-quality video to computers and other devices for customers including ABC, Fox and ESPN360.
Move Networks said that by adding Inuk's IPTV platform and virtual set-top box solution for PCs and Macs to its video publishing system and adaptive streaming technologies, it will allow service providers to deliver TV over the open Internet as well as closed networks using a mix of both multicast and rate-adaptive video delivery.
"Inuk's IPTV platform is well positioned to deliver these new consumer expectations and Move Networks proprietary adaptive streaming and video publishing platform delivers an HD viewing experience via the current Internet infrastructure today," Move Networks executive chairman John Edwards said in a statement. "This means Move Networks and Inuk have the critical components in place to support commercial deployments."
Inuk also provides IPTV services through its branded platform Freewire to universities in the United Kingdom, Ireland and Canada. Move Networks said it is committed to "developing and growing" the Freewire platform, with launches scheduled for the U.S. and Nordic region in 2009.
Investors in privately held Move Networks include Comcast, Cisco Systems and Microsoft. The company is based in American Fork, Utah.
Inuk's investors are Wesley Clover, a venture fund based in Wales, and S4C, one of the U.K.'s five public service broadcasters.
