Verimatrix Reinforces and Expands DVB Conditional Access Capability with Acquisition of Comvenient

Thursday, March 31st, 2011
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Team from Comvenient Adds Strength and Depth to VCAS Solution Family for a New Approach to DVB CA

SAN DIEGO — Verimatrix, the specialist in securing and enhancing revenue for multi-screen digital TV services, today announced the acquisition of Comvenient GmbH, a premier developer of DVB conditional access (CA) technology. Verimatrix and Comvenient have been long-term partners in the development of the Verimatrix Video Content Authority System (VCAS™) for DVB security solution, and the acquisition greatly expands the company’s ability to penetrate this market with an innovative approach to traditional CA technologies for digital TV operators around the globe. The new relationship provides the framework for the seamless integration and marketing of Comvenient’s DVB technology and expertise within the Verimatrix multi-network solutions architecture.

Comvenient, a spinoff of BetaResearch, has a distinguished record in the security industry and has supplied advanced DVB CA systems to more than 100 operators since the company was formed in 2003. The company entered into a strategic relationship with Verimatrix in November of 2008 to generate cross product synergies. Through the acquisition, Verimatrix is able to market an expanded range of DVB security solutions within the VCAS family with the goal of providing secure and scalable solutions for a wide range of platforms.

DVB operators will have access to the fullest range of potential secure client devices from a single security head-end to support their business objectives, including new breeds of set-top boxes (STBs), hybrid IPTV STBs and hybrid connected TV devices. The combination of Verimatrix’s widely adopted solutions for IP-based content protection and Comvenient’s long term expertise in the DVB sector places the combined company in the forefront of future technology development. The combined company will utilize the existing Comvenient headquarters in Munich as its security development and support center.

“We’ve been able to strategically blend highly complementary technologies and expertise areas,” said Hubert Kukla, CEO of Comvenient, who has been appointed as EVP of Strategic Initiatives for Verimatrix. “The integration of our DVB solution within the VCAS product range has proven to be a natural fit for operators with a large scale mix of hybrid and broadcast networks. Now we can take a broader range of product options to market that address B2B and B2C requirements with a powerful, highly secure, yet cost-effective broadcast CA system.”

“We are very pleased to be consolidating our base of technology with a wide range of proven components developed within such a well respected company,” said Tom Munro, CEO, Verimatrix. “DVB operators should expect more from their DVB CA solution as they develop and grow in a new multi-platform market. With the added resources and expertise of the Comvenient team, we can accelerate our growth as a truly multi-network security vendor, enabling customers to take advantage of a broader, more flexible range of revenue security options.”

“Verimatrix has firmly underscored its ability to deliver complete revenue security solutions in a multi-network, multi-screen marketplace,” commented Maximilian M. Schroeck, Verimatrix board member from Cipio Partners. “This is another step in the execution of a compelling vision that has established Verimatrix as a major innovative force in the digital TV security industry.”

“Joining the experience of Comvenient with Verimatrix and our joint marketing platform creates more than just the addition of two qualities. This is an exciting step for the Comvenient team,” said Axel Bauer, Comvenient majority shareholder.