Shoosmiths has advised the shareholders of HIVE Media Control Ltd (“HIVE”), a UK-based media technology company, on the sale of 100% of its issued shares to Panasonic Projector & Display Corporation (“Panasonic”), a Japan-based manufacturer specialising in professional projection, display and visual solutions technology.

Published: 28 May 2026

HIVE develops media server and control solutions for immersive audio-visual experiences and large-scale digital installations worldwide, with its BeeBlade platform deployed across major projects, including the BBC Earth Experience, the National Museum of Qatar and the Michelangelo Sistine Chapel exhibition. The transaction marks Panasonic’s continued evolution into a broader visual solutions provider, expanding beyond hardware into software and integrated media delivery solutions. HIVE will continue to operate as a standalone business, preserving the independence, agility and openness that underpin its market position.

The Shoosmiths team was led by James Foster, Partner in the firm’s Corporate team, with support from Legal Director Natalie Redfern, Senior Associate Jordan Collinson and Associate Arvind Paramiswaran. From the firm’s tax team, Partner Laura Board and Senior Associate Carly Cutler also advised on the transaction.

James Foster, Partner at Shoosmiths, commented: “We’re delighted to have supported HIVE on this important transaction. The deal highlights continued international interest in innovative immersive and audio-visual technology businesses, particularly those with strong proprietary platforms and global applications. Delivering the transaction required close collaboration across jurisdictions and stakeholders, reflecting the increasingly cross-border nature of strategic investment activity in the technology sector – an area which Shoosmiths has significant experience.”

Mark Calvert, CEO of Hive Media Control Ltd, commented: “This was the third time we’ve worked with James and his team at Shoosmiths, and I cannot recommend them highly enough.

“They patiently and clearly guided us through a complex acquisition process with our new Japanese owners Panasonic. The team at Shoosmiths was exceptional throughout, and their expertise proved invaluable at every stage.”

Shoosmiths’ corporate team of over 150 lawyers specialises in the premium and upper mid-market and is one of the UK’s leading advisers on domestic and cross-border M&A transactions across a range of sectors, including technology, media and entertainment.