What's Next for Avid Media Composer and ProTools?

In a recent article published on the digitalfilms website, Oliver Peters delves into the exciting developments surrounding Avid Technology. Building on his earlier reflections from May, which were prompted by a Reuters report hinting at Avid's possible sale, Peters now discusses the tangible outcome of Avid's decision to be acquired by STG, a private equity firm. This strategic move transforms Avid from a publicly traded company into a privately held one, with stockholders set to receive a premium over the share price recorded in May, though not quite reaching the previous year's peak.

Peters underscores the prevailing uncertainty about Avid's future post-acquisition. He sheds light on the diverse array of products within Avid's portfolio, extending beyond the well-known Media Composer and Pro Tools to include offerings such as Sibelius music notation software, cloud services, storage solutions, centralized facility workflow systems, graphics tools, and the essential hardware that complements these product lines. Notably, Peters highlights that Pro Tools plays a pivotal role in driving nearly half of Avid's total revenue.

Peters speculates on the intriguing possibility of separating the Pro Tools segment as an independent entity, acknowledging the challenges that may arise due to its long-standing integration with Avid. He also raises valid concerns about the potential impact on Avid's market positioning and the synergy between Media Composer and Pro Tools. Despite the acquisition, Peters firmly asserts the enduring importance of Avid's solutions in numerous enterprise operations worldwide, with recording studios relying heavily on Pro Tools.

Turning his attention to STG's foray into private ownership, Peters underscores the uncertainties associated with this development, given STG's primary focus on data and software tech companies. While he expresses hope for increased investments in research and development, he also points to historical patterns of cost-cutting and streamlining product lines following similar acquisitions.

Peters anticipates a shift toward subscription-based models for products and services, except for hardware, in the foreseeable future. In closing, the article extends encouragement to aspiring professionals entering the film and TV post-production realm, emphasizing the ongoing relevance and importance of learning and mastering Avid's tools. For established editors and mixers, the article underscores that it's not yet time to abandon ship, as Avid's solutions are expected to remain integral to post-production workflows for years to come.

In summary, Oliver Peters' article provides a comprehensive exploration of Avid's acquisition by STG, offering valuable insights into potential outcomes and balancing optimism with concerns about Avid's future in the hands of private ownership.

Read the full article by Oliver Peters for digitalfilms HERE