Accenture to buy S3 Group’s TV technology business

Francesco Venturini

Accenture has announced plans to buy S3 TV Technology, a unit of S3 Group that offers consultancy, automated testing, service monitoring and diagnostic solutions to video service providers.

Accenture said that it will integrate S3 TV Technology’s StormTest automated testing platform and video consulting capabilities with its digital video services software, which is part of Accenture’s Communications, Media and Technology group.

The deal will see Accenture expand its global video consulting, systems integration and automated testing capabilities across all video industry segments including cable operators, broadcasters, communications service providers and new entrants in digital TV, according to the firm.

“In the volatile new media and entertainment ecosystem, one thing is unchanged – consumers will keep demanding more from their screens of choice,” said Francesco Venturini, managing director and Accenture Digital Video Services lead.

“S3 TV Technology’s test automation solution, live event monitoring, video technology consulting capabilities, and systems integration experience combined with the rich capabilities of Accenture Digital Video Services and Accenture Video Solution software, will create an end-to-end platform that will help video service providers use cutting-edge technology to stay competitive by delivering more innovative features to customers.”

S3 Group’s CEO John O’Brien said: “I believe that Accenture will provide an excellent new home for our TV Technology business and its people, and I wish them continued success into the future”.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed and completion is subject to customary closing conditions.