Gearhouse has plans to open a new office in Sydney following the acquistion of Hyperactive Broadcast by its parent company Gravity Media Group.
The Hyperactive acquisition forms a key strand in Gravity Media Group’s ongoing strategy to bring additional skills, expertise and services into the Group.
Gravity Media Group will retain the Hyperactive brand. It plans to open up in new locations around the world, including Sydney, the Middle East and Los Angeles, with a focus on post-production equipment and services.
It not only substantially expands Gearhouse Broadcast’s existing live and near-live broadcast hire business but also adds a non-linear editing and post production focus for the long-form TV and feature film markets.
Gearhouse managing director, Kevin Moorhouse, said, with Hyperactive, the company gained a highly respected service provider with a very loyal customer base.
"This deal significantly boosts the range and coverage of our existing live and near-live broadcast services,” he said.
“It means customers will benefit from a one-stop global shop for equipment rental, equipment sales, project solutions and systems integration.”
Hyperactive owners, Mike Jopp and Bob Griffiths, started the business more than 30 years ago and are taking a well-earned retirement.
They are leaving the business with a strong senior management team in James Gander and Roger Wedlake, who will continue to lead the business under Gravity Media Group’s new ownership.
Griffiths said: “It seems like only yesterday that Mike and I and our two wives started Hyperactive from our homes. We are immensely proud of the team who have helped take the company to its market-leading position," he said.
"And we’re equally delighted to hand on the company to Gravity Media Group, who we know will take it to the next level on a worldwide stage.”
Gravity Media Group founder and chief executive, John Newton said the group operated around the world and worked with Hyperactive and similar companies to deliver best-in-class equipment, people and projects to customers.
"By bringing more of these skills in house, we will significantly enhance our proposition. Historically Hyperactive has focused mainly on the UK, so they’ll benefit from our scale, international experience and large inventory to support their existing UK customers. It’s a win-win deal for everyone.”