US storage and information management services specialist Iron Mountain Incorporated has acquired the Bonded Services group of companies, providers of media asset management services for global entertainment and media companies, for approximately £57m subject to customary adjustments ($77m at current rates).
Exploiting the requirement of entertainment and media companies around the globe to protect and preserve their intellectual property (IP) while allowing it to be monetised, Iron Mountain provides secure, climate-controlled vaults for physical media preservation (art, film and audio/video tape), as well as a digital environment capable of protecting that IP from hackers and data loss. Having both in one place – the physical and digital storage, as well as the capabilities to transform content for monetization and longer-term preservation – provides chain-of-custody and peace of mind.
Founded in 1930 in New Jersey, Bonded provides services for media content preservation, management and distribution, including fine art vaults and shipping; logistics and distribution; supply chain; and related services for high value physical and digital assets, including works of art, film, audio and video. The group manages more than ten million of these assets for its 2,000 clients worldwide, with offices in the US, Canada, UK, France, the Netherlands and Hong Kong capable of providing in-house digital services that help media and entertainment companies extend their content across digital platforms.
‘Bonded has nearly 90 years of entertainment preservation and digitization experience as a recognised leader in the industry,’ says Iron Mountain Entertainment Services Senior VP, Jeff Anthony. ‘We know first-hand the challenges that media and entertainment companies face in protecting their IP while, at the same time, making sure they can realize the value of it. We have a strong track record in the media and entertainment industry as a partner of choice who can handle both aspects.’
‘Much like our more traditional business services customers, media and entertainment companies find themselves challenged to manage their information assets in an increasingly digital world,’ says Iron Mountain President and CEO, William L Meaney. ‘Acquiring Bonded enables us to meet those customer challenges on a global level, while also leveraging our combined strengths of storage and logistics capabilities. We look forward to delivering the high levels of service they have come to expect.’
More: www.ironmountain.com
