SCIENCE

Global Crossing has announced that it has acquired global video services provider Genesis Networks, an innovator in high-performance, rich-media and video-based solutions serving the world's major broadcasters, producers and aggregators of specialized programming.  Global Crossing paid aggregate consideration of approximately $27 million, including $15 million in connection with the repayment of existing debt.

"The proliferation of HD and 3D video will soon outstrip the capacities of legacy technologies, making media-centric global fiber optic networks like ours the most viable option for broadcasters, producers and distributors," said John Legere, chief executive officer of Global Crossing.  "By acquiring Genesis Networks, Global Crossing takes an ambitious step towards providing new and differentiated value-added solutions to address specialized video requirements across multiple industries."

The market for these services is growing.  Industry research firm Infonetics Research forecasts that worldwide revenue for video services, including IPTV, cable video and satellite video services, will top $250 billion in 2014.  And, according to the Visual Networking Index (VNI), an industry benchmark report produced by Cisco, 3D and HD Internet video will comprise 46 percent of consumer Internet video traffic by 2014.

"Technological innovations are driving the consumption of video through diverse media, such as online, mobile, and broadcast formats, making Genesis a strategic acquisition for Global Crossing," said Legere.  "Social and demographic trends are also creating opportunities in this segment.  As people move around the world for work and pleasure, their interests and cultures geographically move with them.  This is creating an ever-increasing demand for the movement of video programming around the planet and the richness of these media is driving these requirements to global fiber-based network solutions, where Global Crossing holds unique capabilities and significant competitive advantage."

Founded in 2001, Genesis Networks is considered an innovator in the broadcast video over IP and satellite solutions market.  Its purpose-built network stretches across 70 cities on five continents and links important international media centers through 225 on-net locations.  By contrast, the Global Crossing network offers access to more than 700 cities around the globe and a strong presence in Latin America, a new market for Genesis Networks.  For Global Crossing, this acquisition provides opportunities to attract new customers and expand service offerings into vertical markets that require high-performance, rich-media, video-based delivery, such as healthcare, cinema, music, gaming, government and distance learning.

Legere added that the purchase of Genesis Networks supports Global Crossing's strategy of investing in emerging areas, deepening penetration into vertical markets, furthering the differentiation of solutions and services, expanding customer relationships, and leveraging the company's global assets to seize new opportunities.

"Through this acquisition, Global Crossing validates its belief in the dynamic and growing global media marketplace.  With its global network, customer-centric management team and financial strength, we could not have found a better owner to help take our business to the next level," commented Paul Dujardin, founder and chairman of Genesis Networks.

Genesis Networks' global customer base comprises some of the most recognizable broadcast and program distributors in the world, including leading sports networks, news broadcasters, sports rights holders, news agencies and international broadcasters.  Genesis has also provided media-centric services for numerous sporting and special events, including the Olympics, World Cup, international auto racing, Grand Slam tennis tournaments, major golf tournaments, the U.S. Presidential elections, G8 and G-20 Summits and breaking news stories on five continents.  

With this acquisition, Global Crossing gains Genesis Networks' proprietary IRIS customer interface, which provides a unique "on-demand" capability that allows customers direct access and control over their global media distribution network, enabling self-provisioning and monitoring of all aspects of their transmission services.  IRIS features will be integrated into uCommand, Global Crossing's existing online customer service portal.  In addition, Global Crossing gains the Genesis Networks Operations Center in Manhattan that will monitor and manage the entire global video network.

Global Crossing will operate this as a distinct business unit inside of Global Crossing, led by Mike Antonovich of Genesis Networks.  "Genesis is excited to join Global Crossing, an established market leader that brings new opportunities and allows us to leverage a truly global network," said Antonovich, who will become the managing director of this new unit.  "Global Crossing and Genesis share a strong dedication to innovation and a commitment to excellent customer service.  Our combined teams, talents and technologies will enable truly world-class media and broadcast solutions on a global network."