Los Angeles, CA, April 1, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The acquisition of SDI Media was completed today by a consortium of Japanese companies led by Imagica Robot Holdings. The consortium also includes the Cool Japan Fund and the Sumitomo Corporation. By acquiring SDI Media the consortium has gained access to the world's largest owned and operated network of media localization facilities, servicing over 40 markets and 37 countries worldwide. The addition of SDI Media's significant technological capabilities and extensive network of clients (including major Hollywood studios, international broadcasters, and leading media companies) creates numerous expansion opportunities for Imagica's highly-respected service offerings.
Backed by the financial support that Imagica and the consortium provide, SDI Media will continue operating as a stand-alone entity with the added benefit of being in a position to provide its clients with a broader service offering. Also, through the joint capabilities of SDI Media and the other members of the consortium, offerings will include an extensive list of creative and technical services to key segments, while also providing for the export and purposing of multi-language content, including content originated in Japan.
"SDI Media is able to continue its growth strategy, supported by strategically aligned owners", said Walter Schonfeld, President & CEO of SDI Media. "Our mission has been to provide clients with the most comprehensive suite of localization solutions and this acquisition further strengthens our ability to accomplish this goal."
"Investing in SDI Media enables Imagica Robot Group to expand our current service offerings to reach a global audience and provides additional resources to serve our clients worldwide, said Tsuguya Kitade, Director and Managing Executive Officer, Imagica Robot Holdings. "Furthermore, SDI's strong global footprint will also help realize the objectives of our Consortium Partners, Cool Japan Fund and Sumitomo Corporation, of establishing an international network and service infrastructure to promote content distribution."
About SDI Media:
SDI Media is the world's leading media localization provider, offering dubbing, subtitling, and media services for international, regional, and local content owners, aggregators, broadcasters, and new media distributors. SDI Media offers clients a complete end-to-end localization solution for feature films, episodic television series, interactive games, new media, and corporate needs using the most comprehensive suite of customizable localization software applications in the industry. With the world's largest owned and operated network of facilities, incorporating over 150 recording rooms and more than 85 mixing rooms, SDI Media provides dubbing, subtitling, and other media solutions in more than 80 languages worldwide. Servicing 41 markets, in 37 countries across EMEA, Asia, and The Americas, SDI Media's global localization footprint provides the only one-stop media localization solution in the industry.
About Imagica Robot Holdings Inc.
Manages a group of companies which are engaged in a wide range of media and entertainment related businesses, including creative and post-production services, content production and acquisition, media distribution, TV channel operations, and imaging systems & digital video solutions. The company has long-standing relationships with major studios, content owners, content creators, and broadcasters. IMAGICA provides a full range of services to multiple market segments including theatrical, home entertainment, broadcast, and advertising. IMAGICA operates 7 facilities in Japan and 1 in Malaysia.
About Cool Japan Fund
Cool Japan Fund was founded in November 2013 as a public-private fund with the aim of supporting and promoting the development of demand overseas for Japanese products and services. Cool Japan Fund aims to commercialize the "Cool Japan" concept and increase overseas demand by providing risk capital for businesses across a variety of areas, including media & content, food & services, and fashion & lifestyle.
About Sumitomo Corporation
Sumitomo Corporation is a leading general trading company, with 115 locations in 67 countries and 24 domestic locations. The Sumitomo Corporation Group consists of nearly 800 companies with more than 70,000 personnel. Its core business units are Metal Products; Transportation & Construction Systems; Environment & Infrastructure; Media, Network, Lifestyle Related Goods & Services; and Mineral Resources, Energy, Chemical & Electronics. In the Media Division, Sumitomo's main businesses are Cable TV business, broadcasting and cinema businesses.
For additional information please visit www.sdimedia.com or contact Aviv Gattenuo at +1.310.388.8942 with press inquiries.