Technical Production Partner NEP Group Acquires SOS Global Express
October 28, 2019
Worldwide outsourced technical production partner NEP Group has acquired SOS Global Express, an international freight forwarding and full-service logistics company. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Headquartered in Pittsburgh and with operations in 24 countries, NEP’s services include remote production, specialty capture, RF and wireless video/audio, studio production, audio-visual, host broadcast support, post-production, connectivity and transmission, premium playout, and software-based media management technology. For the past three decades, the company has supported live sports, entertainment, music and corporate events in 87 countries on all seven continents.
According to NEP officials, the addition of SOS will not only help NEP streamline its equipment service delivery, but also help further its strategy to become a world leader in broadcast services and live events.
“NEP has enjoyed a long working relationship with SOS – it’s a great cultural fit,” said Kevin Rabbitt, chairman and CEO of NEP. “Both organizations… understand the mission-critical nature of live TV, are service-oriented and focused on delivering exceptional results for our clients through innovation. With SOS, we can streamline the process of bringing critical transport and logistics services to clients and their events anywhere in the world.”
Under the terms of the agreement, SOS will remain independent and continue to operate under its own brand, while NEP will have the ability to leverage SOS’ services including air, sea and road freight transportation; logistics planning; customs brokerage services; insurance; packaging; warehousing; and ATA Carnets (international customs and temporary export-import documents).
The 33-year-old SOS is headquartered in New Bern, N.C. and operates out of several locations across the U.S. and Europe. Started as a small New York-based freight forwarder in 1986, SOS has supported projects in the U.S., Europe, Asia, the Middle East and South America, including the Olympic Games, the Super Bowl, the FIFA World Cup, major auto races, international music tours, feature films, research shoots worldwide, news war coverage and presidential trips.
“SOS is founded on providing the highest quality support for the biggest live broadcasts, productions and events globally,” said Fernando Soler, president of SOS. “Becoming a part of NEP while continuing to provide excellent service to the entire industry is an exciting step in our evolution. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and look forward to joining the NEP team.”
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MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
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MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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