We broke the news on our website Tuesday, but now it's official: Broadstream has merged with Auroras to form Avail Media in a move to compete more effectively with SES. Both Broadstream and Auroras launched three years ago. Broadstream CEO Ramu Potarazu: "Auroras' MPEG-4 IPTV solution has been deployed to telco and FTTH customers nationwide... Broadstream has a robust middleware product, along with strong channel and content partnerships, and a growing customer pipeline." The merger is pending shareholder approval, but Avail plans to offer IP-based VOD, PVR, HDTV, and additional local edge capabilities.
Potarazu will become CEO of Avail, while Diane Smith, Auroras' CEO will become president of the entity. My original source pointed to ex-Intelsat executive Jon Romm as the head of the new company, but the official report says Romm will take on the role of EVP of sales, marketing and business development. The company will relocate its headquarter to Washington D.C.
For more on the Auroras-Broadstream merger:
- check out this press release