Accenture to Acquire S3 TV Technology

Accenture (NYSE: ACN) says it has agreed to purchase S3 TV Technology, a business unit of Dublin-based S3 Group. S3 TV Technology provides consultancy, automated testing, service monitoring, and diagnostic products to video service providers worldwide (see, for example, "S3 Network Testing Gains Traction"). Terms of the proposed deal were not disclosed, nor was the expected closing date. Accenture says it plans to integrate S3 TV Technology's StormTest automated testing platform and video consulting capabilities with its Accenture Digital Video Services software and related offerings, which are part of Accenture's Communications, Media and Technology group. The company believes the new assets will strengthen its video consulting, systems integration, and automated testing capabilities for cable operators, broadcasters, communications service providers, and new entrants in digital TV. "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."