ThirdForce expands with purchase of AV Edge

ELECTRONIC learning company ThirdForce yesterday expanded its reach into TV, video and DVD with the acquisition of an educational production company.

The acquisition of the Dublin-based AV Edge for over €500,000 follows ThirdForce’s €15 million deal to take over computer training company Electric Paper last year.

Chief executive Brendan O’Sullivan said ThirdForce would continue to make acquisitions to fit in with its strategy of broadening its product range and distribution channels.

The acquisition will allow ThirdForce to leverage its existing skills in providing computer software to facilitate learning. Its current activities include distributing the International Computer Driving Licence, a certification programme that improves computer literacy and usage skills. AV Edge is best known for its role in producing Read Write Now, a four-part TV series aimed at improving adult literacy. The company is also working on the PG Plus series on bringing up children, which is currently being shown on RTÉ.

Mr O’Sullivan said AV Edge produced training material that was both engaging and entertaining. He said audiovisual media would provide a greater role in helping people to learn and would allow ThirdForce to increasing the appeal of its learning material.

ThirdForce has transformed itself into an electronic learning company since it changed its name from Rapid Technology in March last year.