Sony Corporation has acquired a majority stake in the Newry technology company STATSports.
The firm, which was founded in 2008 by Dundalk men Alan Clarke and Sean O'Connor, has provided performance-tracking systems and analysis software to leading sports organisations for many years.
Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City and Juventus are amongst the professional sports teams the company has supported.
It has also provided technology analysis to international rugby teams such as New Zealand and South Africa.
The company also provides GPS player trackers for individuals allowing them to measure their distance travelled, speed and sprints.
Bayern Munich and England international forward Harry Kane is among the investors in STATSports. The company also sponsors Louth GAA.
Mr Clarke, CEO and Co-Founder of STATSports, has said the acquisition by Sony is a "landmark moment" for the company.
In a statement, he said: "Since 2008, our mission has been to help teams and athletes reach their full potential through performance monitoring technology.
"Partnering with Sony allows us to accelerate that mission by integrating our wearable technology with Sony’s world-leading solutions.
"Together, we can set new standards in performance analysis, athlete development, and injury prevention, while also offering audiences new ways to engage with their favourite sports teams," Mr Clarke said.
Meanwhile, Rufus Hack, CEO of Sony’s sports businesses, described the acquisition as a "powerful step" in its "journey to build the ultimate sports data and analytics engine, by integrating STATSports’ state-of-the-art wearable technology with our existing optical solutions."
"This opens up a path for new applications in performance analysis, as well as officiating, and fan engagement, which enables us to deliver a more complete and valuable solution to our partners and the entire sports community," he added.
