Terms of the AT&T acquisition have not been disclosed, but what is known is that the acquisition will complement the telco’s new cross-platform TV streaming service to be launched later this year. The terms of the deal have still not been disclosed, however, the agreement is subject to regulatory approval from the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act in the United States, and the Competition Act in Canada, as well as other customary regulations.
Advertisement
The Toronto-headquartered Quickplay has been a partner with AT&T – delivering TV Everywhere programming to subscribers of its U-Verse fiber-delivered pay-TV service – as well as other companies such as Verizon Wireless, Samsung and Sony Pictures.
Quickplay, now owned by Chicago-based Madison Dearborn Partners, powers over-the-top video and TV Everywhere services.
Preview will be a free, ad-supported service, providing access to a limited selection of DirecTV content, available to anyone with a wired or wireless Internet connection. “We intend to scale and operate an industry-leading video distribution platform, and viewers will get the high-quality online video viewing experience they desire”, said John Stankey, CEO of the AT&T Entertainment Group, in a statement.
AT&T has a history with Quickplay, as it now uses the company to stream U-verse TV Everywhere. Canada’s big three telecom providers Bell, Telus and Rogers all use Quickplay’s platform. “Our team is proud of what we’ve built so far and excited to join the AT&T family”. Now the company is aiming to bring the technology used to power these services a little closer to home. In addition to transferring ownership from current owner Madison Dearborn Partners, the acquisition will also see AT&T keeping Quickplay’s 350 employees.
Advertisement
“With AT&T, we’ll have the resources we need to further scale, grow the business, and continuously enhance that platform”, added Wayne Purboo, founder and CEO, Quickplay.
