Orange in talks to buy Project Kangaroo technology

Orange is one of two companies understood to be in talks to acquire the technology developed for Project Kangaroo, the failed TV-on-demand joint venture service between the BBC, ITV and Channel 4, according to reports.

The broadcasters have been looking to offload assets of Project Kangaroo, following the Competition Commission’s decision in February to block the service. The watchdog found the service would result in a substantial lessening of competition in the UK VOD market.

It is not known how much the sale of the technology would net the joint venture partners, but it is believed that they had invested an estimated £20m developing the technology.

Orange is one of the serious bidders to acquire some of the Project Kangaroo assets, its parent company France Telecom confirmed this morning. A technology firm is also understood to be in the running.

If successful, the technology would be used to strengthen the Orange TV broadband service across Europe.