In an effort to expand into video communication solutions, GN Audio has purchased Silicon Valley startup Altia Systems, a developer of digital multi-camera array technology, for $125m. GN Audio plans to merge its current audio solutions, which is predominantly used in the Call Center & Offices market, with Altia’s PanaCast brand technology. The partnership aims to give both companies a stronger position within the Unified Communications market.

GN, a Danish company, currently operates under Jabra and BlueParrott brands, and manufactures professional headsets and speakerphones designed to optimize workplace efficiency. By acquiring the startup, GN will not only expand from Europe to the U.S but will also be able to integrate enhanced audio into Altia’s PanaCast videoconferencing and Panoramic-4K devices.

“We are pleased to have reached an agreement to acquire Altia Systems,” said René Svendsen-Tune, president and CEO of GN Audio. “The acquisition further strengthens our unique value proposition by delivering leading integrated audio and video communications. Combining GN Audios sound expertise, partner eco-system and global channel access with the video technology from Altia Systems, we will take the experience of conference calls to a completely new level.”

“Combining PanaCast’s immersive, intelligent video with GN Audio’s intelligent audio solutions will enable us to deliver a whole new class of collaboration products for our customers,” said Aurangzeb Khan, president and CEO of Altia Systems. “PanaCast’s solutions enable companies to improve meeting participants’ experience, automate workflows, and enhance business efficiency and real estate utilization with data lakes of valid information.”

“Intel invested in Altia Systems to bring an industry leading immersive, Panoramic-4K camera experience to business video collaboration,” said Dave Flanagan, vice president of Intel Corporation and senior managing director of Intel Capital. “Over the past few years, Altia Systems has collaborated with Intel to use AI and to deliver more intelligent conference rooms and business meetings. This helps customers make better decisions, automate workflows and improve business efficiency. We are excited to work with GN to further scale this technology on a global basis.”