Virgin Media Ireland, yesterday completed its acquisition of TV3 and CEO David McRedmond announced he will leave the station at the year end.
Tony Hanway, CEO of Virgin Media Ireland commented: “We’re delighted to welcome TV3 to the Virgin Media family. Ireland is an important growth market for Virgin Media and this transaction represents our company’s first entry into the free-to-air broadcasting sector. This acquisition also secures TV3’s long term future and provides it with a strategic partner to build on its success both in Ireland and internationally.
With TV3’s future now secure, David McRedmond has decided to leave the business by year end to pursue other opportunities. While I am sorry to lose David from TV3 he leaves with our best wishes. Under his leadership TV3 has transformed the Irish broadcasting landscape, introducing real competition, innovating with high quality Irish programming and delivering profitable growth. David has built a first-class team in TV3 and I look forward to working with them for the next phase of growth for TV3 and Virgin Media.”
David McRedmond, CEO of TV3 Group said: “I am delighted that this sale is now completed. TV3 has consistently punched above its weight to compete in the Irish market and with the backing of the world’s largest international cable company, TV3 can now achieve its full potential. This is the right time for new leadership to take the reins. I have enjoyed every day at TV3 working with such a talented, creative and friendly team. I want to thank TV3’s departing investors Doughty Hanson for their professionalism, loyalty and support particularly during the recession. Liberty Global through Virgin Media is a world-class owner for the business and I wish them every success”.
Barbara Galavan, CEO of Screen Producers Ireland said: “David presented the SPI membership with an interesting and compelling address at our AGM in June of this year. We take this opportunity to congratulate him on the success he achieved at TV3 and wish him well in his future endeavors”.
The sale of TV3 to Virgin Media Ireland was cleared by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland and the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
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