Global Eagle buys UK in-flight entertainment company

Los Angeles-based Global Eagle Entertainment Inc. continues to growth as an in-flight entertainment and connectivity giant with the purchase of a British company that specialized in emerging markets.

Through its subsidiaries, including in-flight wireless Internet provider Row 44, Global Eagle offers in-flight entertainment on about 5,000 planes worldwide.

Global Eagle announced this week that it has acquired Travel Entertainment Group Equity Limited, the UK-based parent company of IFE Services Limited, for $36 million. IFE Services provides in-flight entertainment to airlines and cruise ships, stretching from Asia to Africa and South America.

“This acquisition is in line with our strategic objective to grow our position as the leading provider of in-flight media, to broaden our client base and to further strengthen the combined service offerings we provide to airlines worldwide,” said John LaValle, chief executive of Global Eagle.

Global Eagle Acquisitions reached an agreement last year to buy privately held Row 44 Inc., a Westlake Village company that provides satellite broadband service for Southwest Airlines.

In July, Global Eagle acquired Irvine-based Post Modern Group, an in-flight entertainment content provider, for up to $23.9 million in a combination of cash and stock.

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