RealNetworks Inc, the Seattle-based streaming video and audio company once known as Progressive Networks Inc, has acquired one of its competitors, Vivo Software Inc of Waltham, Massachusetts. RealNetworks gets Vivo’s technology, intellectual property and customer base, along with key personnel. The tools include the four year old company’s Vivo’s VivoActive 2.0 streaming media tool, and its HTTP streaming technology. RealNetworks says it will support Vivo’s current web site and customer base, and provide integration and upgrade paths into its other product lines. All outstanding shares of Vivo will be exchanged for 1.1 million new RealNetwork shares, valued at $17.1m based on current prices. Upon completion, the shares will represent 3.4% of the total 32 million shares outstanding. RealNetworks says a substantial portion of the purchase price will be written off as in-process research and development.
