Sonic Acquires Simple Star

By Greg Scoblete -- TWICE, 5/5/2008

Novato, Calif. — Sonic Solutions has acquired imaging software developer Simple Star.

The deal, announced earlier this week, brings the PhotoShow software, retail and cable TV services under the Roxio brand.

According to Sonic, 13 million copies of PhotoShow’s desktop software and online application have been downloaded since 2002. PhotoShow distributed its own branded software as well as a private-label version of its multimedia slideshow creator. It had partnerships with Kodak Gallery, Shutterfly, Ritz Camera and, recently, Time Warner, which created an on-demand cable where consumers could upload and view PhotoShow slideshows.

Sonic intends to maintain Simple Star’s existing cable TV and retail partnerships, a spokesman said. “We believe that the combination of Roxio and Simple Star technologies will provide new opportunities for Sonic to expand these current relationships. We see the addition of Simple Star technologies as an opportunity for Sonic to expand relationships with our current installed base of Roxio customers as well as extend relationships with our major OEM and retail partners,” he added.

Sonic has retained “the majority” of the Simple Star staff, including CEO Chad Richard.