Suitably Flip

Sling Execs Totally Psyched

Today, EchoStar Communications announced it would acquire Sling Media (maker of the Slingbox, a TV-via-internet device) for approximately $380 million in cash and stock options.  This suited the Sling suits just fine.

“We are psyched to make this announcement. We have worked closely with EchoStar for more than two years, and have come to realize that both companies have similar entrepreneurial cultures and mutual dedication and passion for creating empowering experiences that benefit the consumer and the media industry,” said Blake Krikorian, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Sling Media. “By combining strategies, resources and technologies with EchoStar, Sling Media will be able to rapidly expand our open multi-platform product offerings, not only for DISH Network subscribers, but for digital media enthusiasts around the globe.”

The word choice was enough to turn WSJ's Deal Journal's head.

Formal use of “psyched” by an executive strikes Deal Journal as a landmark event. The ’80s generation has finally arrived as a powerful force in grown-up society. (According to Factiva, there have been 201 examples of the word’s use in news releases since 1988 — although many of them are sports related, as in “psyched up.”)

Of course you can’t blame Krikorian, who’s about 40, for being so, well, psyched. He just signed a deal that values his three-year-old company, which makes devices that let consumers watch TV over the Internet, for a cool $380 million.

Bodacious.

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Sling Execs Totally Psyched

Today, EchoStar Communications announced it would acquire Sling Media (maker of the Slingbox, a TV-via-internet device) for approximately $380 million in cash and stock options.  This suited the Sling suits just fine.

“We are psyched to make this announcement. We have worked closely with EchoStar for more than two years, and have come to realize that both companies have similar entrepreneurial cultures and mutual dedication and passion for creating empowering experiences that benefit the consumer and the media industry,” said Blake Krikorian, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Sling Media. “By combining strategies, resources and technologies with EchoStar, Sling Media will be able to rapidly expand our open multi-platform product offerings, not only for DISH Network subscribers, but for digital media enthusiasts around the globe.”

The word choice was enough to turn WSJ's Deal Journal's head.

Formal use of “psyched” by an executive strikes Deal Journal as a landmark event. The ’80s generation has finally arrived as a powerful force in grown-up society. (According to Factiva, there have been 201 examples of the word’s use in news releases since 1988 — although many of them are sports related, as in “psyched up.”)

Of course you can’t blame Krikorian, who’s about 40, for being so, well, psyched. He just signed a deal that values his three-year-old company, which makes devices that let consumers watch TV over the Internet, for a cool $380 million.

Bodacious.