NTB has entered into an agreement with Norkon AS for the acquisition of the live blogging platform Live Center and the international customer portfolio that comes with it. The acquisition strengthens NTB as a Norwegian and international technology provider to the media market.
Live Center is used by media houses around the world for live news reporting. Among the customers are Sky News, Danmarks Radio (DR), and ABC News Australia. Now NTB becomes the new owner.
"Norwegian Norkon AS has done an impressive job building a solid and innovative service that very many large, major international media players now swear by. We are proud to become the new owners and look forward to taking the service into the future together with the skilled employees and not least the customers. We have high expectations for what they bring on board," says Tina Mari Flem, editor-in-chief and CEO of NTB.
Major Milestone
"For us, this is a major milestone. We have built Live Center to become an international success. That NTB is taking over the baton is recognition of what we have created," says Eirik Næsje, CEO of Norkon AS.
He is particularly pleased that it is Norwegian NTB taking over.
"Norwegian media houses are at the forefront of technology development, and this shows the great international potential. We have a strong and innovative environment in Norway. It is very gratifying that it is precisely NTB that will now contribute to the growth and further development of Live Center," he adds.
Expanding International Reach
NTB currently sells media technology in Sweden, Finland, and Belgium, among others. With the Live Center service, they now gain major customers in over 20 new countries, including the USA, Germany, India, and Australia.
"Getting international customers in several new countries is an important strategic door-opener for us. NTB has technology and services that complement Live Center, and we naturally want to realize synergies across these. So this is a perfect match that will be good for both us and our customers," says Flem.
"NTB has over time proven to be a company that changes in pace with the market and customers, and the acquisition of Live Center is yet another example of NTB investing in the future. Live Center will create an even stronger offering of products and services from NTB, and hopefully contribute to further growth and development in the company," says NTB board chairman Øyulf Hjertenes.
New Workplace in October
For Live Center's customers and users, everything will remain as before; the team, the technology, and integrations will continue. Live Center will be established as a separate department within the Partner business area, which already consists of sports data, NTB Arkitekst, and NTB Kommunikasjon. The team includes 6.5 full-time positions that will get Pressens hus (the Norwegian Press House) as their new workplace starting in October.
"I am very pleased to welcome the Live Center team to NTB Partner. They bring valuable expertise and experience that strengthens us as an organization. At the same time, we get a product with a solid international footprint that fits perfectly into our initiatives. Together we will develop new services, create cross-cutting synergies, and elevate our portfolio – to the benefit of both customers in Norway and a growing international market," says Unni Ødegård, director of NTB Partner.
Norkon to Focus on Financial Technology
When Norkon AS now sells Live Center, this is part of their strategy and continued focus on their financial technology services and products.
"The sale is a natural part of our strategy to cultivate Norkon as a leading provider of financial media solutions. We will continue to invest in products that help financial media increase engagement among their users and build a more direct relationship with customers through personalization and AI," says Eirik Næsje, CEO of Norkon AS.
The transaction is expected to be completed at the start of the fourth quarter of 2025.
NTB Contacts
Tina Mari Flem
Editor-in-Chief and Managing Director
+47 95 10 27 93
tina.flem@ntb.no
Eirik Næsje
CEO
+47 90 09 06 09
eirik@norkon.net