ShopTo.net buys FetchTV
April 16, 2012
By Colin Mann
UK independent online entertainment retailer ShopTo.net has acquired VoD streaming service FetchTV. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in May 2012.
FetchTV brings SmartBox set-top box technology and the FetchTV streaming and movies on demand expertise. FetchTV boxes are sold by the likes of Tesco, Currys and PC World, some under the Technika brand. They provide Freeview HD DVR functionality and access to both the FetchTV VoD store and catch-up services, such as BBC iPlayer.
The FetchTV VoD service is also available through millions of UK TV’s via apps developed for Panasonic, Samsung and LG smart TVs.
“Our customers are consuming entertainment in many ways and we need to deliver the same excellent ShopTo service they have come to expect through every device.” said ShopTo CEO Igor Cipolletta.
“We will continue to make appropriate investments related to growing our multichannel strategy as the online entertainment market evolves with new technology and customer consumption habits.”
IP Vision, the parent company of FetchTV, went into administration late January 2012. The CEO, Eddie Abrams, issued a statement: “IP Vision is a recognised innovator with a well-deserved reputation in the field of hybrid DTT/IPTV solutions and premium over-the-top video on demand services. Purchasers will be able to take full advantage of the Company’s many strengths in these respective areas which include a fully-operational end-to-end hybrid TV platform and a multi-device, premium video on demand service with broad reach in conjunction with major TV manufacturers and approximately 30 content partners.”
At the time, the company said there were already several potential bidders for the business and that the service would continue for the time being.