Canopus, the company whose EDIUS hardware looks to offer the best real-time editing capabilities for HDV footage, is in the process of being sold to the French broadcast supplier Thomson.

Company founder Hiro Yamada and his family have sold to Thomson shares equivalent to one third of the entire stock holding (they still own around seven per cent) and Thomson has pledged (under certain conditions) to buy the entire company stock at a premium.

Thomson's release is below.

Also worth looking at is the web page showing video and slides from yesterday's briefing by Thomson and Canopus about the takeover.

Let us know your thoughts here and also check out those in an allied thread over on the DVdoctor forums.


Thomson Buys 33 1/3% Stake in HD Video Editing Leader Canopus, Intends to Launch Public Tender Offer to Acquire Remaining Shares

Adds Critical Video Editing to Grass Valley ProAV and Broadcast Portfolio — Key Revenue Growth Boosters for Thomson

Paris/Tokyo, December 5, 2005 — Thomson (Euronext Paris: 18453; NYSE: TMS) today announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire 33 1/3% of the issued and outstanding shares of Canopus Co., Ltd, a Japan-based leader in high-definition desktop video editing software, through a private transaction with Chairman and CEO, Hiroshi Yamada, and members of his immediate family. Thomson also disclosed today that it will launch a public tender offer for the remaining Canopus shares on Tuesday, December 6, 2005.