M&A Deal Summary

Viacom Acquires Harmonix

On September 22, 2006, Viacom acquired digital media company Harmonix from Massachusetts Capital Resources Company for 175M USD

Acquisition Highlights
  • This is Viacom’s 1st transaction in the Digital Media sector.
  • This is Viacom’s 7th largest (disclosed) transaction.
  • This is Viacom’s 11th transaction in the United States.
  • This is Viacom’s 2nd transaction in Massachusetts.
Investment Fate
  • Harmonix was divested to a consortium of buyers in 2010.
  • Harmonix was sold to a strategic buyer in 2021.
  • Harmonix was sold to a strategic buyer in 2023.

M&A Deal Summary
Date 2006-09-22
Target Harmonix
Sector Digital Media
Buyer(s) Viacom
Sellers(s) Massachusetts Capital Resources Company
Deal Type Add-on Acquisition
Deal Value 175M USD

Target

Harmonix

Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
Harmonix is a developer of groundbreaking music-oriented videogames. Harmonix has developed Guitar Hero I and Guitar Hero II games, Karaoke Revolution Party, Amplitude, Frequency, Eyetoy and the Rock Band franchise. Harmonix was formed in 1995 and is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

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Buyer(S) 1

Buyer

Viacom

New York, New York, United States
Category Company
Founded 2005
Sector Media
Revenue 12.9B USD (2018)
DESCRIPTION

Viacom is a global media company which is home to a variety of entertainment brands that connect with audiences through compelling content across television, motion picture, online and mobile platforms in over 160 countries and territories. Viacom was founded in 2005 and is based in New York, New York.

DEAL STATS #
Overall 11 of 17
Sector (Digital Media) 1 of 1
Type (Add-on Acquisition) 9 of 11
State (Massachusetts) 2 of 2
Country (United States) 11 of 15
Year (2006) 4 of 4
Size (of disclosed) 7 of 10
PREVIOUS DEAL
DATE TARGET DEAL TYPE VALUE
2006-08-09 Atom Entertainment

San Francisco, California, United States

Atom Entertainment, Inc. a Website that presents thousands of short films from independent and novice directors.

Buy $200M
FOLLOWING DEAL
DATE TARGET DEAL TYPE VALUE
2010-06-24 Defy Media

New York, New York, United States

Defy Media is a provider of innovative youth-focused media and full-scale marketing programs through multiple operating business units in digital, display advertising, direct mail, entertainment content creation and educational programming. Defy Media was founded in 1996 and is based in New York City.

Buy -

Seller(S) 1

SELLER

Massachusetts Capital Resources Company

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Investor Investor Investor

Category Mezzanine Finance Firm
Founded 1977
PE ASSETS 700M USD
Size Middle-Market
Type Sector Agnostic
DESCRIPTION

Massachusetts Capital Resource Company (MCRC) is a limited partnership privately owned and funded by Massachusetts-based life insurance companies. MCRC provides mezzanine financing for businesses with $3 to $100 million in revenue seeking capital to fund growth, strengthen balance sheets, or complete acquisitions. MCRC will consider investments in technology and non-technology companies seeking capital of $1 to $5 million. MCRC was formed in 1977 and is based in Boston, Massachusetts.

DEAL STATS #
Overall 1 of 11
Sector (Digital Media) 1 of 1
Type (Add-on Acquisition) 1 of 9
State (Massachusetts) 1 of 10
Country (United States) 1 of 11
Year (2006) 1 of 1
Size (of disclosed) 1 of 3
PREVIOUS DEAL
DATE TARGET DEAL TYPE VALUE
2006-07-20 Blue Fang Games

Waltham, Massachusetts, United States

Blue Fang Games is an independent game developer dedicated to creating compelling emotionally engaging games focused on the animal kingdom that set the benchmark for broad-based family entertainment. Blue Fang’s Zoo Tycoon franchise has sold over seven million units worldwide and boasts an award-winning legacy including recognition from the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences, Children’s Software and New Media Revue, Scholastic Parent & Child, and Parent’s Choice. Blue Fang Games was formed in 1998 and is based in Waltham, Massachusetts.

Buy -
FOLLOWING DEAL
DATE TARGET DEAL TYPE VALUE
2006-09-26 MagneMotion

Devens, Massachusetts, United States

MagneMotion, Inc. is a manufacturer of a broad range of industrial applications including automotive and general assembly, packaging and material handling machines.

Buy -
Mergr

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