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BBC Technology Union Backs Off after Broadcaster Threatens Legal Action

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on August 6, 2004 - 3:26am.
London -- Bectu, the union that represents nearly 25% of BBC Technology's staff, said it has abandoned a second proposed strike after the BBC made a "serious" legal threat to take it to court. The union opposes the sale of BBC Technology to Germany's Siemens, the fourth-largest mobile-phone company in the world, and threatened to go on strike during the Olympics at the end of July and a second time in mid August. The first proposed two-day strike was called off after Siemens made a revised offer to BBC Technology staff on pension plans and conditions. Even so, the union says it is seeking assurances from Siemens regarding pension guarantees and the touchy subject of relocating staff to different cities. Bectu has threatened to take industrial action if it does not receive sufficient assurances. "There are still a significant number of issues unresolved between Bectu and the corporation concerning BBC Technology which, if not resolved, will lead to a further ballot for industrial action," said Bectu's Gerry Morrissey.
tags: Broadcaster | BBC Technology | Threatens | Legal Action |

Siemens to Acquire BBC Technology Unit in $3.7 Billion Deal

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on July 7, 2004 - 6:45am.
London -- The BBC announced on Wednesday that Siemens Business Services has emerged as the preferred bidder for its BBC Technology unit and an associated technology framework contract with the BBC. The contract is subject to approval, but would be for a term of 10 years and worth up to $3.7 billion. The BBC found through an internal strategic review of its technology requirements that it could realize potential annual savings of at least $37-$56 million, if its technology services were outsourced. The BBC Technology unit was founded in 2001 to provide broadcast and Internet media services for the BBC and other broadcasters, content owners and government bodies. The deal with Siemens is expected to close in the fall of 2004.
tags: Deals | Siemens | BBC Technology |

BBC Announces Three Finalist Bidders for BBC Technology Unit

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on May 6, 2004 - 2:53am.
London -- The BBC on Thursday announced a shortlist of three companies that have emerged as final bidders for its BBC Technology unit, an advanced video and interactive TV production business the company is selling to reduce costs. Accenture, CSC or Siemens are the three firms in line to buy the division, and along with it a contract to provide outsourced production services to the BBC, which the company said is worth up to $3.6 billion. "The shortlisted bidders have shown their ability to invest in technology innovation and enable us to revolutionize the way we make programs over the next ten years," said BBC chief technology officer John Varney. The BBC expects to announce a finalized deal in the fall.
tags: BBC | BBC Technology | Finalist Bidders |

BBC Technology Fires Managing Director Over "Misuse of Hospitality"

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on February 27, 2004 - 7:25am.
London -- The BBC announced on Friday that it has fired the head of its BBC Technology interactive TV and TV production unit as a result of a disciplinary procedure for "misuse of hospitality." The BBC said that Ann Wilson's termination was in no way related to the impending sale of BBC Technology, which it announced it would look to sell off in November of last year. The BBC said then that it could save around $56 million per year by outsourcing the services that BBC Technology provides. Firms including IBM, HP, Fujitsu and Siemens have expressed interest in the unit, which will likely be sold later this year. Adrian Cocoran, the current director of operations at BBC Technology, has been appointed acting managing director while the company seeks a replacement for Wilson.
tags: BBC Technology | Misuse of Hospitality | Director |