Streaming TV service sold with Chapman Tripp’s help

The work has earned praise from the client

Streaming TV service sold with Chapman Tripp’s help

Chapman Tripp was the legal adviser of Sky on its purchase of Lightbox, the TV streaming service previously owned by Spark.

Partner Kelly McFadzien advised Sky, the firm said. She was supported by partner Matt Sumpter and solicitors Charlotte Hooper and George Spittle.

The work on the deal, which closed this week, earned praise from Sky.

“Chapman Tripp ensured we had all of the angles covered as we negotiated this key deal, which includes an ongoing arrangement with Spark to deliver Lightbox and the new merged service to Spark customers,” Sophie Moloney, Sky’s chief legal, people, and partnerships officer.

Moloney said that the acquisition will enable Sky to combine its Neon service with Lightbox to provide an even wider range of entertainment. McFadzien highlighted what the acquisition means to the streaming sector in New Zealand.

“We enjoyed working with the Sky team on this deal and we’re delighted that the merger of Neon and Lightbox will create a locally-delivered streaming service with great entertainment choices for Kiwis,” she said.

Launched in 2014, Lightbox has around 130,000 customers. Chapman Tripp said that the acquisition included rights to several Hulu original series, including The Handmaid’s Tale.

Kelly McFadzien