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Sony Acquires Video-Sharing Website Grouper

Posted on: Wednesday, 23 August 2006, 12:00 CDT

Sony Pictures Entertainment has acquired Grouper, a user-generated video website for $65 million.

Grouper.com enables its members to watch, share and create video on the web. The Sausalito-based company will retain its current management, working closely with a team at Sony Pictures.

"Many people in the Grouper community use Sony cameras to create videos and Sony VAIO computers and mobile devices to store and view them. It makes sense to complete the circle by having Grouper be a part of Sony Pictures Entertainment," said Michael Lynton, chief executive of Sony Pictures.

Grouper lets users post videos on third-party websites including Myspace, Blogger and Friendster. Its users can download from Grouper.com to connected mobile devices like the PSP and iPod.

Grouper also provides members with video editing tools, so that videos can be uploaded from cameras, camcorders and webcams.

No immediate changes are planned for the site, but Lynton says that over time, there may be development for ad-supported and premium content businesses.

Grouper has eight million unique users, which is far fewer than rival YouTube, the largest video community online.

Source: Datamonitor

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