Mediakind tunes up a megamerger to become streaming’s new heavyweight

DENVER: Media’s pipes just got a jolt. In a move that could reorder the streaming-infrastructure universe, Mediakind has struck a $145m deal to snap up Harmonic’s video business — a mash-up designed to create the world’s No 1 independent, full-stack streaming-infrastructure player. Consider it the tech equivalent of fusing two high-definition galaxies.

Announced in Denver on 8 December, the agreement will be signed immediately after Harmonic completes its French works-council formalities, with closing slated for the first half of 2026, subject to regulatory nods.
The tie-up stitches together two long-time video-engineering stalwarts into what they claim will be a world-class SaaS streaming engine. The combined outfit expects more than $100m in annual recurring revenue, over $150m from appliance sales, and a laser focus on video — a rarity in a market increasingly swallowed by generalist cloud giants.

Beyond revenue arithmetic, the union promises sturdier financial and operational footing, giving jittery broadcasters a partner less likely to buffer mid-scene. By blending engineering teams, R&D hubs and road maps, Mediakind says it will push out next-gen features at a sprint rather than a shuffle — and keep its cloud-neutral stance intact across both cloud and appliance estates.

Mediakind  chief executive Allen Broome called the deal “a meaningful step forward”, adding that the enlarged firm would deliver “enhanced product solutions” and accelerate innovation across its expanded portfolio. The combined entity, he said, would be “the leading independent streaming-infrastructure company”, giving customers a sturdier backline to power the future of video.

For Harmonic, the move lets it ditch the drama and tighten the shot on its broadband segment. Its chief executive, Nimrod Ben-Natan, said the transaction would, if completed, “advance the growth strategies of both companies” while landing its Video Business in a home committed to the next era of video delivery.

Davis Polk & Wardwell and Moelis are advising Mediakind, while Harmonic is flanked by Wilson Sonsini and Jefferies.

If all goes to plan, 2026 could see a newly muscled Mediakind-Harmonic hybrid stepping into the spotlight — a streaming-infra champion hoping to make buffering a relic and turn the industry’s next chapter into must-watch television.