Sony Corporation acquires tech firm invested in by Harry Kane

Bayern Munich and England international forward Harry Kane is among the investors in STATSports

Sony Corporation has acquired a majority stake in the Newry technology company STATSports.

The firm has provided performance-tracking systems and analysis software to leading sports organisations for many years.

Leading football clubs it has supported include Arsenal FC, Liverpool FC, Manchester City and Juventus.

It has also provided technology analysis to New Zealand's All Blacks and South Africa's Springboks in international rugby.

Bayern Munich and England international forward Harry Kane is among the investors in STATSports.

Alan Clarke, CEO and Co-Founder of STATSports, said the development was a "landmark moment" for the company.

"Since 2008, our mission has been to help teams and athletes reach their full potential through performance monitoring technology," he added.

"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."

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.