Sony Complete Hawk-Eye Acquisition

Electronics giant Sony has completed the acquisition of UK based, sports tracking technology company Hawk-Eye.

 

Financial terms of the deal which has seen Hawk-Eye snapped up by Sony have not been released, with the Japanese electronics giant hoping to utilise technology originally developed for military use in its sports broadcasting.

 

Hawk-Eye is used for the popular, newly integrated challenge system in major tennis and cricket tournaments, becoming a household name in the process. The technology and has also been used in soccer and snooker with a debate over its use in the former having existed for a number of years.

 

Naomi Climer, Vice-President Sony Europe, commented, “Hawk-Eye is recognised globally for its innovative solutions for resolving close calls in critical sporting situations, particularly in cricket and tennis where they have developed a worldwide reputation.”

 

“Players, officials and sports fans have all appreciated the accurate and entertaining way in which Hawk-Eye has integrated its technology into these key sports,” added Climer.

 

“Hawk-Eye presents Sony with the opportunity to acquire a small, innovative company with unique knowledge and excellent growth and synergies potential.

 

“It is an ideal complementary offering to Sony Professionals existing portfolio of solutions for stadiums, venues and broadcasters, as well as bringing in specific expertise around managed services and sports software solutions engineering.

 

“We see strong opportunities on the technological, business and marketing levels to further Sony’s leadership and engagement in the sports and broadcasting industry.”

The takeover includes all intellectual property, software solutions and engineering capabilities and Hawk-Eye and all of its staff will now join Sony Professional.