EchoStar To Buy Sling Media

By Greg Tarr -- TWICE, 9/25/2007

Englewood, Colo. — EchoStar said Monday it will buy place-shifting technology developer Sling Media, which is privately held.

EchoStar, which operates the Dish Network satellite TV service, said it will purchase the company for cash and options in a deal valued at $380 million. The acquisition is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2007.

Sling Media manufactures and sells its Slingbox systems, which allow consumers to view audio and video content from their home entertainment systems anywhere in the world, using a PC, mobile phone or another Web-connected device and a broadband connection.

“EchoStar’s acquisition of Sling Media will allow us to offer innovative and convenient ways for our customers to enjoy their programming on more displays and locations, including TVs, computers and mobile phones, both inside and outside of the home,” stated Charlie Ergen, EchoStar CEO.