Siemens Business Services has been selected as the preferred bidder to become the new owner of BBC Technology. The deal also means that Siemens, a global media technology company, will be the BCC’s new technology provider for the next decade.
The decision came after a long procurement process and approval by the BBC’s Executive Board. The sale is subject to the approval of the BBC Governors, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and clearance by the European Commission under the terms of the EC Merger Regulation.
The move to procure a new 10-year technology contract with the new owner followed an internal review of the BBC’s technology requirements. The review identified potential annual savings for the BBC of more than $50 million if its technology services were outsourced.
Subject to the necessary approvals, the deal will close by the fall, once final contract negotiations are complete.
