Skyview Innovations announced the acquisition of OMM, a leading creative, sports technology and experiential company. OMM is an official partner of 8th Wall, the augmented reality vendor and has delivered solutions across the fashion, technology and sports industries.
OMM Agency projects have included Nike, Samsung, Diesel, and the Premier League. It is globally recognised for its innovative and forward-thinking approach to consumer experiences, artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and virtual reality (VR). It develops immersive experiences that take advantage of the latest technology, including AI.
As part of the deal, Skyview is purchasing two other OMM brands. OMM Technology works with sports clubs to help define and implement digital experiences within stadiums. The brand worked with Manchester United in 2004 to develop and deploy the world’s first permanent LED Perimeter system. Subsequently, it has worked with several Premiership clubs since.
OMM Print offers large-format print services for stadiums, events, and retail. It works across a wide variety of industries, delivering hoarding graphics and wraps to construction, sports, exhibitions, retail, and events. Furthermore it helps design and install a wide variety of formats for printing on virtually anything.
Strategic acquisition, the first of several?
OMM is one of Europe’s dominant brands across multiple formats. Its headquarters is in London, with satellite offices that are located throughout Europe.
Jeff Kaplan, CEO of Skyview Innovations, said, “Partnering with OMM is a milestone achievement for Skyview and the first of several acquisitions. An established leader with impeccable pedigree, OMM will serve as our platform, the foundation into which we will integrate new businesses and offerings.
“The OMM team brings unparalleled experience in building end-to-end solutions for some of the World’s largest companies and professional sports franchises, leveraging meaningful, interactive content as the foundation for consumer experiences that both articulate brand promise and establish lasting connections with customers.”
Going Phygital
In its 2024 Technology Vision, Accenture noted that “92% of executives agree their organization plans to create a competitive advantage leveraging spatial computing.” Along with Gen AI, spatial computing is set to reshape the workforces of the future. Today most spatial computing experiences are through voice and text. Spatial computing offers the potential of an augmented/virtual reality experience that could recreate the holodeck, beloved by Star Trek fans.
The impact will affect many industries, especially gaming, the arts, entertainment, and recreation. However, the number of use cases is probably limited by imagination. Combining these technologies with leading designers and even the physical surroundings can help create unique and amazing experiences. Therefore, in acquiring OMM, Skyview will be able to bring its combined strengths to a wider set of industries.
Kaplan added, “Our goal is to become the global leader in the application of spatial computing technology across the enterprise. We are confident that the range of skillsets that OMM provides for its globally renowned brands will carry over into enterprise use cases, such as immersive training, product development, manufacturing, supply chain, warehouse management, and sports analytics.”
Skyview does not appear to be changing OMM’s organizational structure. Still, the companies will work in partnership in the future. Thus bringing their expertise to deliver even better consumer experiences. OMM Group CEO Howard Campion will remain as CEO of OMM and will join the board of Skyview Innovations as Chief Strategy Officer for the new joint entity.
Campion commented, “For OMM, joining forces with Skyview Innovations represents an incredible opportunity to expand our depth and reach into new geographies and vertical markets. OMM is thrilled to embark on this next chapter, a testament to our 40 years of industry leadership as a part of the Skyview Innovations group of companies.”
Enterprise Times: What does this mean
This is a strategic acquisition by Skyview and the industry. The combined organisation will be at the forefront of the sports technology landscape and, if able, better prepared to penetrate a lot more markets.
The terms of the deal were not disclosed. Skyview Innovations was only launched in 2023 by Kaplan and Travis Sales. It has had a remarkable rise in the sector. The acquisition may also enable OMM to bring its solutions to the United States. Thus opening up the potential for huge growth. It is a sector that promises phenomenal growth.
MarketandMarkets predicted that the global spatial computing market will be worth USD 280.5 billion by 2028. It will grow at a CAGR of 23.4%. Skyview Innovations is rapidly building out a firm that could be globally significant. To date, Skyview does not appear to have taken any funding as it seeks global growth.
Will it look to bring on more funding, or will it be a target for one of the larger consultancies? This acquisition will certainly make it more attractive. Kaplan certainly has ambition, inferring that there may be more acquisitions to follow!
