Livingstone’s Media & Technology sector team has advised Inflexion Private Equity on its buy-out of Alston Elliot, a leading provider of premium data-driven graphics solutions for live sports broadcasts.

Alston Elliot was founded in 1992, initially to provide computerised graphics to the BBC for its coverage of test cricket and World Snooker events. Today the business employs more than 100 people across its offices in London, Johannesburg, New Delhi and Melbourne with clients including Sky, BT, ESPN, Fox, Star, SuperSport and the BBC. The business is led by CEO Nick Baily, who has 27 years’ experience in the TV sports broadcast industry.

Sport is widely considered to be the last live TV event as many other programmes have moved to catch-up streaming services, and this makes it uniquely appealing to broadcasters and advertisers. As a result, broadcasters are competing fiercely for rights over prime sports content. Additionally, they are broadening coverage in women’s sport, “lower league” exposure and new activities to fill the expanding airtime, much of which requires the support of Alston Elliot’s services to enhance the action.

New technologies are powering the rapid growth of sports viewing “on-the-move” through mobile devices creating a fresh channel for data-driven sports graphics. Alston Elliot is partnering with some of the leading technology providers in the sector to maximise its position in this new market.

Inflexion’s in-house digital expertise will support management in its development of next-generation software to improve the quality of its services as well as to future-proof the business. The Inflexion international team will aid the continued international growth.

Tim Smallbone, Head of Enterprise at Inflexion, commented: “We appointed Livingstone because of their strategic capabilities, tactical insight and track record in the media and technology sector. Their input throughout the process was invaluable in helping us to execute an efficient and successful transaction for all parties.”

Nick Baily, CEO of Alston Elliot, said: “We are delighted to have found the right partner with whom to embark on our next phase of growth. Inflexion’s digital expertise and global reach will be invaluable as we continue to develop our business.”

Richard Fetterman, Partner at Livingstone, commented: “We are delighted to have advised Inflexion on its investment in Alston Elliot. With its market-leading position, global footprint and proven management team, Alston Elliot has an excellent platform from which to accelerate growth in the exciting and dynamic sports graphics market.”