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NEP Group
NEP Group
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NEP Group, Inc. also known as NEP Supershooters LP [5](formerly NEP Broadcasting LLC) is a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania based and privately owned international production company that provides outsourced teleproduction services for major events throughout the world.

Key Information

Its facilities are used to produce television broadcasts of the Indian Premier League, Cricket World Cup, Super Bowl, Academy Awards, Premier League, Eurovision Song Contest, Emmy Awards, The Daily Show, UEFA Champions League, Olympic Games, NASCAR, Asian Games, WWE Wrestling, FIFA World Cup, Wimbledon and French Open, Grammy Awards, U.S. Open, British Open, The People's Court, Sesame Street, The Rolling Stones, Page Six TV and Love Island (franchise).

History

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The company was founded by Tom Shelburne in 1984[6] and was part of Scranton, Pennsylvania television station WNEP-TV (which stood for North East Pennsylvania). It was spun off after The New York Times Company bought the station in 1986 from Shelburne. The company took off after it acquired the failing New Kensington, Pennsylvania-based TCS after the companies jointly produced the 1987 Pan American Games in Indianapolis, Indiana.

From 2007 to 2012 it was primarily owned by American Securities. In 2012 it NEP was sold to Crestview Partners.[7]

On September 25, 2015, NEP appointed Keith Andrews (formerly CEO and managing director of NEP Australia) as Chief Operations officer of NEP Group, Inc.[8]

On June 24, 2016, The Carlyle Group made a significant minority investment in NEP alongside existing shareholders Crestview and NEP management.[9]

In August 2018, it was announced that Crestview were to exit NEP with The Carlyle Group purchasing their stake,[10] giving them a majority interest as of October 19, 2018.[11]

In August 2020, NEP Group announced that Brian Sullivan will join the company as the new CEO starting August 31.[12]

Acquisitions

[edit]
NEP UK's Adriatic OB vehicle
NEP Supershooter SS24 under construction

This list of acquisitions is not complete.

Acquisition date Company Facilities Country References
January 5, 2005 NMT: National Mobile Television Outside broadcasting US [13]
January 31, 2005 Visions Outside broadcasting UK [14]
April 12, 2006 Roll to Record Outside broadcasting UK [14]
January 9, 2008 NCP: New Century Productions Outside broadcasting US [15]
March 22, 2012 Trio Video Outside broadcasting US [16]
May 2, 2012 Bow Tie Television Managed service provider (capture, broadcast, stream, archive) for Parliaments and Government Authorities in the UK UK [17]
November 20, 2012 Corplex Outside broadcasting US [18]
January 24, 2014 Global Television 9 outside broadcasting trucks and flyaway units, studio production, host broadcasting AUS [19]
September 2, 2014 MIRA Mobile Television Outside broadcasting US [20]
December 22, 2014 Faber Audiovisuals Video display, audiovisual rental & operation NLD [21]
January 31, 2015 Screen Scene Group Outside broadcasting, post-production, VFX, audio production IRE [22]
March 26, 2015 Mediatec Group Outside broadcasting, studio production, video display, master control, post-production, wireless, AV integration SWE [23]
April 30, 2015 Outside Broadcast Outside broadcasting, studio production, ENG, post-production, audio. Now branded as NEP Belgium. BEL [24]
July 10, 2015 Consolidated Media Industries Outside broadcasting, studio production, post-production, audio production, master control, wireless, event management, VFX, ENG, streaming, live playout. Now branded as NEP The Netherlands. NLD [25]
December 23, 2015 Mediatec Asia Pacific Audiovisual solutions provider for event and television productions AUS [26]
June 17, 2016 Broadcast Solutions Group Provider of outside broadcast flypacks SGP [27]
July 14, 2016 DBlux Outside broadcasting, sound, lighting and audiovisual production DEN [28]
January 4, 2017 Creative Technology Ltd Outside broadcasting and live events services UK [29]
August 2, 2017 Bexel Global Broadcast Solutions Outsourced broadcast solutions and flypacks US [30]
April 17, 2018 NZ Live Independent playout, outside broadcast and studio provider NZ [31]
June 15, 2018 Telerecord Outside broadcasting solutions across southern Europe ITA [32]
July 11, 2018 Big Picture Video production and equipment for concert tours, music festivals, broadcast, corporate and special events AUS/ NZ [33]
October 1, 2018 Fletcher Group Ultra-slow motion and robotic camera specialist US [34]
October 9, 2018 SIS Live Global connectivity services, uplink vehicles and operations centres UK [35]
February 5, 2019 Facility House Broadcast Group ENG, OB and post-production services NLD [36][37]
September 9, 2019 Aerial Video Systems Wireless camera technology, aerial production and RF control US / UK [38]
October 15, 2019 SOS Global Express Logistics and freight forwarding US [39]
October 17, 2019 HDR Group Full-service production partner with studios, outside broadcast, post-production etc. SWE [40][41]
August 12, 2020 Outside Broadcasting Outside-broadcast provider with 6 trucks, formerly part of Sky New Zealand. Merged with NEP New Zealand. Offer was completed on 5 February 2021.

NEP acquired the following vehicles from OSB along with its two original OB units:

  • HD1 and HD3: 14.3m semi-trailer production unit with expanding side, capable of holding 20+ cameras. They are supporter by tender vehicles. HD1 is based in Christchurch.
  • HD2: 14.3m semi-trailer production unit with the capability of holding up to 16+ cameras. It is supported by a tender vehicle with extra production facilities. This unit is based in Wellington.
  • HD4: 15m semi-trailer production unit with the capability of using 16+ cameras. It too is supported by a tender vehicle with additional production space.
  • HD5: 12.5m rigid truck and can input 8+ cameras supported by a similar sized tender vehicle with additional production room.
  • HD6: Small van which is capable of 6+ cameras. It is supported by a similar sized van for storage and linking
  • AUX1: Was an original outside broadcast production unit (OSB1), however it has been converted into a specialised production trailer (not a stand-alone OB trailer) for specialty cameras, additional graphics and houses any overflow production areas for larger broadcasts
  • OSB2: An original standard definition 13.5m semi-trailer production unit capable of 14+ cameras. This is supported by a tender truck with additional production space.
  • HD/SD Fly Away kits: Suitable for broadcasts overseas
  • HD11: Rigid truck with auxiliary unit. This was in the existing NEP NZ fleet
  • HD12: Small OB van and auxiliary van which were part of the existing NEP NZ fleet.
  • NEP has added a larger OB unit 'Tahi' to its fleet in 2024 with a double expanding side.
NZ [42][43]
March 1, 2021 Vista Worldlink Centralized live television production US [44]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
NEP Group is a global headquartered in , , that provides outsourced technical production services, including broadcast, live events, and virtual production solutions, to content creators and rights holders worldwide. Founded in 1986 with roots in remote television production, the company has grown into a leading partner for major live sports and entertainment events, leveraging a network of cutting-edge technology and expertise. With operations spanning 25 countries and supporting productions in over 100 countries across all seven continents, NEP Group employs over 4,500 professionals as of 2025, including over 2,200 technical engineers, to deliver custom, scalable solutions from design and integration to execution and ongoing support. The company's services encompass a wide range of media technologies, such as outside broadcast units, studio production facilities, audio and lighting systems, and host broadcast operations, backed by the largest inventory of production equipment in the industry. NEP Group emphasizes client-focused innovation through its Office of the CTO, enabling it to handle events of all sizes with unmatched technical expertise and reliability. As a privately held entity, it continues to expand through strategic acquisitions and investments, maintaining its position as a trusted global leader in revolutionizing how content is created and shared.

Overview

Company profile

NEP Group is a global media technology company specializing in outsourced teleproduction services for live sports, entertainment, and corporate events. It serves as a leading provider of end-to-end production solutions, empowering content creators and rights holders through innovative technology and a worldwide network. Founded in 1984 and headquartered in , , the company employs over 5,000 people across 25 countries. Its core business focuses on remote production, studio services, virtual production, and advanced technology solutions to enable seamless live content delivery. In October 2025, NEP Group secured a $700 million equity investment led by 26North Partners, with The Carlyle Group participating and remaining the largest shareholder, to fuel growth in global operations and product innovation.

Leadership and ownership

NEP Group's leadership is headed by Chief Executive Officer Martin Stewart, who was appointed to the role in June 2023 and brings over 30 years of experience in the media and telecommunications sectors, including prior positions as CEO of Sky New Zealand and Orbit Showtime Network (OSN). Under Stewart's guidance, the company has focused on technological innovation and global expansion in live event production. Key executives include regional presidents overseeing major divisions, such as Waleed Isaac, appointed President of NEP and in August 2025, with more than 30 years in events, , and sectors to drive growth in high-potential markets like the UAE, , and . Other notable leaders encompass Doug Kovach as Chief Financial Officer, Julie Bellani as Chief Human Resources Officer, and Mike Werteen as President of Media Operations, supporting the company's worldwide operations across media services and technology solutions. Ownership of NEP Group has been shaped by investments since 2012, when Crestview Partners acquired the company, followed by a minority stake from in 2016 and Carlyle's assumption of majority control in 2018 after purchasing Crestview's remaining interest. In October 2025, 26North Partners led a $700 million equity investment to fuel growth and innovation, with Carlyle participating and retaining its position as the largest shareholder. The board of directors features representatives from Carlyle, including David Nathanson, alongside independent members such as Chairman Debra Honkus and , fostering a structure oriented toward strategic expansion in the media technology landscape. NEP Group mourned the passing of its founder, Tom Shelburne, in August 2023 at age 81; Shelburne pioneered remote television production through NEP Supershooters, established in 1987, revolutionizing live event on a global scale.

History

Founding and early development

NEP Group was founded in 1984 by Tom Shelburne as NEP Broadcasting, originating from the mobile production assets of , an ABC affiliate based in , where Shelburne's family had established the station. Shelburne, recognized as a pioneer in remote television production, built the company's initial in 1978 for WNEP and expanded the fleet to three trucks by the time acquired the station in 1985, allowing him to retain and formalize the mobile division as an independent entity. In 1987, NEP launched Supershooters through a and subsequent merger with TCS (Television Cable Service), marking the creation of the world's first dedicated remote company and revolutionizing live sports broadcasting by enabling high-quality, on-location production without reliance on network-owned facilities. This innovation allowed for flexible, specialized mobile units that supported major broadcasters in delivering live events efficiently. During the late 1980s, NEP Supershooters achieved early milestones by producing high-profile events, including the for and remote coverage of games, as well as entertainment productions such as music awards shows. By , the company had expanded its fleet to multiple mobile production units, supporting a growing portfolio of live sports and entertainment broadcasts across the . As a family-owned operation, NEP evolved into a specialized teleproduction firm by the mid-1990s, emphasizing technical innovations in remote production workflows that laid the foundation for industry-wide of mobile units. This period saw NEP secure landmark contracts, such as the 1994 exclusive agreement with for all its mobile production needs, solidifying its role as a leader in the sector. The company's early focus on scalable, high-impact remote capabilities paved the way for further expansion in the following decades.

Major milestones and ownership changes

In the 2000s, NEP expanded its operations beyond the into international markets, including and , while advancing digital production workflows to support growing demand for live event broadcasting. This period laid the groundwork for global scalability, with early investments in fiber-optic and digital transmission technologies enhancing production efficiency. In 2000, Pamlico Capital made an initial investment in the company. In 2004, and Spectrum Equity Investors acquired NEP from Capital Partners for $320 million. In February 2007, acquired a stake from Apax and Spectrum, providing capital for further growth. A key turning point came in December 2012 when Crestview Partners acquired NEP from , providing growth capital that facilitated a to NEP Group and accelerated international expansion from operations in two countries to 24 by the late . Under Crestview's ownership, NEP completed multiple strategic moves to broaden its service offerings and geographic footprint. In 2018, assumed majority ownership by acquiring Crestview's remaining stake for approximately $594 million, which enabled further global scaling, technology investments, and enhanced capabilities in live sports and entertainment production. Entering the 2020s, NEP launched its virtual production division, NEP Virtual Studios, in August 2021 through targeted investments in in-camera (ICVFX) and real-time rendering technologies, positioning the company as a leader in immersive for , television, and live events. Amid the , NEP adapted by rapidly scaling remote production technologies, including cloud-based editing, virtual commentary hubs, and IP-enabled home studios, which allowed clients to maintain operations with reduced on-site personnel and supported safer workflows. In 2025, NEP secured a $700 million equity infusion led by 26North Partners, alongside a comprehensive , to fuel ongoing innovation, infrastructure expansion, and market growth. NEP pioneered advancements in IP-based remote production in 2022, launching production centers in major U.S. cities and debuting TFC Flow, an IP orchestration tool for streamlined live event control and monitoring, which set new standards for efficient, low-latency workflows in multi-site broadcasts. By 2024, the company integrated AI technologies into production and processes, exemplified by AI-powered camera systems and enhanced media asset tools like Mediabank for improved search and distribution during high-profile events such as Wimbledon.

Operations

Core services

NEP Group's core services encompass a wide array of broadcast and production offerings designed to facilitate live for global broadcasters, networks, and event organizers. At the heart of these services is broadcast production, which includes the deployment of mobile production units, dedicated studios, and remote IP-based workflows to capture and transmit high-quality content in real time. These capabilities support major sports events such as games and the Olympics, where NEP provides comprehensive technical infrastructure, including multi-camera setups and on-site engineering for seamless coverage. For entertainment productions like awards shows, including the Oscars, NEP delivers studio-based production solutions that integrate advanced video switching, graphics, and replay systems to enhance viewer engagement. In addition to broadcast production, NEP offers robust live events support through audio-visual integration, , and staging services tailored for diverse applications. These solutions enable the creation of immersive experiences for corporate events, festivals, and tours, featuring high-fidelity audio mixing, LED video walls for dynamic visuals, and customizable rigging for and set design. NEP's inventory includes state-of-the-art equipment such as automated camera systems and arrays, ensuring reliable performance across venues of varying scales. This integration allows clients to produce polished, broadcast-ready content without extensive in-house resources. A key component of NEP's portfolio is virtual production, introduced in 2021 through the dedicated NEP division, which specializes in LED walls, real-time rendering, and (XR) technologies. These services leverage tools like for in-camera visual effects (ICVFX), enabling filmmakers and live broadcasters to generate photorealistic environments on set, reducing timelines and costs. NEP's virtual stages, available across multiple continents, support applications from scripted series to live concerts, with integrated and overlays for enhanced storytelling. Complementing these production-focused services, NEP provides advanced technology solutions such as cloud-based platforms, global signal distribution networks, and audio-visual systems to ensure efficient content delivery. The virtualized suite allows remote editors to access high-resolution footage via secure connections, facilitating collaborative from anywhere. Signal distribution utilizes IP fabrics for low-latency transmission of video, audio, and across international boundaries, while RF solutions handle comms, cameras, and microphones in challenging environments. These technologies enable scalable, end-to-end workflows that support NEP's global delivery capabilities.

Global presence and facilities

NEP Group's global headquarters is located in , , serving as the central hub for its worldwide operations. The company maintains major U.S. facilities in key media markets, including multiple studios and production centers in New York, , and , which support a range of broadcast and event productions across . As of August 2025, NEP expanded its U.S. connected solutions with two new production control rooms in and enhancements to its network operations center in . With operations spanning 25 countries and over 110 office locations, NEP Group has established a robust international footprint, particularly in (including the , the , and ), the region (such as and ), and the (notably ). In September 2025, NEP acquired Seven Production, further expanding its live production services, including outside broadcast trucks, in the . These regional presences enable localized logistics and rapid deployment of resources to meet diverse production demands. In , for instance, facilities in the UK and house advanced studios tailored for high-volume event coverage. NEP Group's infrastructure includes a fleet of 205 outside broadcast (OB) trucks and over 90 broadcast flypack systems, facilitating mobile production capabilities worldwide. The company operates 83 studios and control rooms globally, complemented by 43 centralized production control rooms for remote operations. Specialized virtual production stages are available in and , equipped for immersive content creation using LED walls and real-time rendering technologies. To address regional market variations, NEP adapts its facilities and mobile units for prominent local events, such as tournaments in the through Australian and Singapore-based operations, and football leagues in via UK and Dutch studios. This geographic structuring ensures efficient support for culturally specific content without relying on extensive international travel.

Acquisitions and growth

Key acquisitions timeline

NEP Group's acquisition strategy began in the 2000s with purchases of production units from competitors to bolster its capabilities, exemplified by the 2008 acquisition of New Century Productions, a Pennsylvania-based firm. Initial international expansions included entries into European markets through acquisitions like in 2015 and into via Global Television in 2014. The 2010s saw accelerated growth through targeted deals enhancing global technical production services. In 2016, NEP acquired Broadcast Solutions Group, a provider of outside broadcast flypacks based in . This was followed by the 2017 acquisition of Avesco Group, incorporating its Creative Technology brand for live event support. In 2018, NEP acquired Fletcher Group for ultra-slow motion camera expertise and Broadcast Sports International for wireless audio-visual solutions. The decade closed with the 2019 acquisition of HDR Group in the Nordics, adding full-service production facilities in . Entering the 2020s, NEP focused on innovative technologies and regional expansion. Key deals included the 2020 acquisition of OSB assets in for additional outside broadcast units. In 2021, NEP acquired Prysm Collective, Lux Machina, and to build its virtual production segment. The most recent major acquisition was Seven Production in September 2025, a Dubai-based firm enhancing operations. As of September 2025, NEP had completed 21 acquisitions across seven countries, with 11 in the , six in , and four in and the .
YearAcquisitionLocationKey Focus
2008New Century ProductionsOutside broadcasting units
2014Global TelevisionTV technical production
2015Outside BroadcastBroadcast and media services
2016Broadcast Solutions GroupOutside broadcast flypacks
2017Avesco Group (incl. Creative Technology)Live events and media services
2018Fletcher GroupUltra-slow motion cameras
2018Broadcast Sports InternationalWireless A/V solutions
2019HDR GroupFull-service production
2020OSB AssetsOutside broadcast units
2021Prysm Collective, Lux Machina, Halon EntertainmentVirtual production
2025Seven ProductionUAE and broadcasting production

Strategic expansions and impacts

NEP Group's strategic expansions through acquisitions have been deliberately aimed at addressing key gaps in and geographic markets. In , the company acquired Prysm Collective, Lux Machina, and Halon Entertainment to establish a dedicated virtual production business segment, enhancing its capabilities in (XR) and immersive content creation for live events and scripted productions. Similarly, the 2018 acquisition of Broadcast Sports International (BSI) bolstered wireless technology expertise, enabling advanced camera capture solutions for broadcast services. More recently, the September 2025 acquisition of Seven Production in targeted regional expansion in the , providing access to local production infrastructure and strengthening NEP's footprint in high-growth markets like the (GCC) region. These expansions have significantly diversified NEP's operational offerings and scaled its global reach. The integration of Fletcher Group's ultra-slow-motion and robotic camera systems, acquired in 2018, has added specialized high-end capture expertise, complementing NEP's core live production services and enabling more dynamic event coverage. Post-2019 acquisitions contributed to operational growth, with NEP expanding its presence across multiple countries and enhancing service portfolios to support premium live events. This has positioned the company to handle complex, multi-location productions more efficiently, as evidenced by investments in U.S. facilities like expanded production control rooms in and a tripled datacenter in by August 2025. On the innovation front, NEP has leveraged acquired and integrated technologies to advance its infrastructure. In early 2025, the company adopted arkona technologies' platform for IP-enabled upgrades at its Andrews Hubs in and , facilitating seamless audio-video routing and processing to support all-IP workflows. These enhancements have fortified NEP's competitive position in live sports production, allowing it to deliver end-to-end solutions that rival in-house capabilities of broadcasters like , particularly in remote and virtualized environments. Looking ahead, NEP's October 2025 securing of a $700 million equity investment, led by 26North Partners, is set to fuel further while prioritizing innovations in production technologies. This capital infusion underscores the company's ambition to lead in evolving areas such as AI-enhanced content workflows, amid rising demand for immersive and globally distributed live media experiences.

References

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