Sphere Abacus, the international distribution company owned by Bell Media, has acquired 100% of digital distribution specialist Rocket Rights/Rights Booster as part of a strategy to expand its global digital business.
Following the acquisition, the company will operate as Rocket Booster, a Sphere Abacus company, focusing on multi-platform digital and social media distribution across the combined catalogues of the two businesses.
Rocket Booster to Lead Digital Expansion
Rocket Booster will oversee digital distribution across social media and other multi-platform channels, while Sphere Abacus’ sales team will continue to manage traditional television sales and licensing.
The new company will be led by Cat Davie, who has been appointed Managing Director after serving as Rocket Rights’ COO. Founder and former CEO Matthew Frank will take on the role of Executive Director. Both will report to Sphere Abacus Managing Director Jonathan Ford.
The acquisition strengthens the company’s digital capabilities while bringing the two companies’ catalogues together under a dedicated operation focused on reaching audiences across global digital platforms.
Bruno Dubé, Chief Executive Officer, Sphere Media comments: “We are pleased that through this deal, Sphere Abacus are not only adding talent and a content catalogue, but also expanding the capability for distributing existing content with the arrival of Rocket Booster.
Jonathan Ford adds, “This significant move is yet another step in the development of Sphere Abacus and highlights our ambition to further penetrate the global digital market. We are extremely pleased to be able to harness the experience and multiple relationships that Matthew and Cat have in the digital space and to build on our success in this crucial part of the business.”
Cat Davie concludes, “We’re very excited to form the next part of the growth that Sphere Abacus is seeing on the global stage, and very much look forward to working with Jonathan and the team.”
