Viaccess expects to complete $21 million acquisition of Orca Interactive

Content protection specialist and France Telecom subsidiary Viaccess has signed an agreement to acquire Orca Interactive Ltd, the Israeli IPTV middleware and applications provider. The deal is estimated to be worth over US$21 million and is subject to approval by an extraordinary general meeting of Orca Interactive.

Orca Interactive software empowers IPTV service providers to deliver broadcast TV, VOD, PVR, home media and interactive services. Viaccess markets a range of Conditional Access and DRM solutions, with customers in more than 30 countries. The Paris-based company has over 1.2 million active IPTV subscribers using its CA today.

“This acquisition will allow Viaccess to seize the new opportunities of the TV and video markets, and to bring innovative solutions to content service operators such as broadcasters and telecom companies,” the French vendor declares. “We will offer the benefits of integrated products to our clients.”

Viaccess CEO, François Moreau de Saint Martin, adds: “The acquisition of Orca Interactive by Viaccess will let both companies leverage their respective positions in the fast growing IPTV market. They will be key players in the evolution of the television industry thanks to IP technologies.”