NEP Group Acquires Specialty-Camera Provider Fletcher Group

Fletcher brand name to remain intact

In a major shift for the live-sports-broadcasting business, NEP Group announced on Monday morning that it has acquired Fletcher Group, the Chicago-based provider of specialty cameras. The move is another major acquisition in an industry that has lately been marked by consolidation.

Fletcher Group, the provider of specialty cameras for live event production, has been acquired by NEP Group.

According to NEP, the Fletcher brand will remain, and Fletcher President Dan Grainge will continue to lead the unit, reporting directly to Mike Werteen, global president, NEP Broadcast Services.

Fletcher is best-known as one of the industry leaders in the world of high-end specialty cameras. Whether slow-motion or robotic, the company has been a go-to provider of these technologies for more than three decades.

“We’re excited to bring the innovative specialty cameras and talent of Fletcher’s staff into the NEP Worldwide Network,” Werteen said in an official release. “We’ve partnered with Fletcher on several events, so we know first-hand the quality of their work and shared commitment to delivering superior service. Through this acquisition, our clients now have access to cutting-edge ultra-slow-motion– and robotic–camera technology and expertise along with NEP’s variety of broadcast services.”

Fletcher, which was founded in 1987, has been a major player in the live–sports-production business and has delivered its technology to support many large sports events, including Super Bowls, World Series, Stanley Cup Finals, NBA Finals, college football and basketball championships. It also serves international clients, making it a natural fit with the global NEP brand.

“NEP’s dedication to technical innovation and client service is impressive,” said Grainge in the NEP release. “I’m proud of all we’ve accomplished at Fletcher and know that combining our talents and technology with an industry leader like NEP will take our business to the next level. It’s a great fit for us and a strong benefit to be able to add NEP’s broadcast services, media solutions, and live-event support for our clients.”

Stay tuned to SVG for more as this major story develops.