Euro Media Group Acquires Aerial Camera Systems

Pan-Europe facilities company Euro Media Group (EMG) has added special cameras to its portfolio of services by buying Aerial Camera Systems (ACS). The acquisition was made through EMG’s first UK subsidiary, CTV Outside Broadcasts (CTV OBs), which became part of the group in 2007 after the merger of Euro Media Télévision and UBF Media Group.

ACS is a leading developer of specialised camera systems — including remote heads, wirecams, and underwater units — and stabilized-mounting technology for helicopters and other aircraft. Based in Surrey, it was founded in 1979 by late aerial cinematographer Peter Allwork. It started out in film and general-television work but later built up a reputation for custom equipment in TV sports.

Allwork’s son Matthew took over as managing director of ACS and built on his father’s work, winning an Emmy for the company’s contribution to the Sydney Olympics in 2000. After Matthew Allwork died in a helicopter accident in 2003, his widow, Susie, took over and oversaw further sports contracts, including the Vancouver and Beijing Olympics, the 33rd America’s Cup, Euro 2008, and, in the UK, Channel 4 Racing and Premier League Football coverage for Sky Sports.

ACS will continue to operate as an autonomous company within EMG, with the management team headed by Managing Director Phillip Beckett remaining in place. “This move brings exciting opportunities to ACS as well as enabling continued growth and development in pioneering camera solutions within the company’s in-house R&D team,” says Beckett.

There will be close cooperation between ACS and fellow subsidiary CTV OBs, which holds a number of important TV sport contracts, including European Tour golf and Sky Sports cricket. Barry Johnstone, managing director of CTV OBs/COO of EMG, says, “We’ve worked with ACS for many years and have the highest respect for the team there. They will be a major asset to our group.”

Susie Allwork, former executive chairman of ACS, adds, “I know that Peter and my late husband, Matthew, would have been enormously proud of the company ACS has become, and it’s thanks to the fantastic team here that I know we will make a significant contribution to the Euro Media Group.”