Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp (NYSE: NWS) has completed its buy-out of IPTV and VOD technology specialist NDS with UK private equity firm Permira for $3.6 million, in a deal that takes NDS private and has been in the making since June. News Corp now has a 49 percent stake while Permira takes the rest. NDS shares closed at $63 yesterday, their last day of trading, so that’s what NDS shareholders will receive per share. News Corp already had a controlling stake in NDS—72 percent equity and 96 percent of voting rights—but needed Permira’s investment to take it off the market.

UK-based NDS has 4,000 staff and makes set-top box and IPTV interfaces, electronic programme guides and provides DRM technology for BSkyB (NYSE: BSY), in which, of course, Murdoch has a controlling stake, as well most major TV companies across Europe. It also develops technology for mobile, PC, DVD recorders and portable devices. It looks to be a continuation of Murdoch’s strategy of bringing technology companies his TV companies rely on in-house: BSkyB bought set-top box maker Amstrad in July 2007 for £125 million ($180 million). Release.

• News Corp Taking DRM Firm NDS Private In $3.6 Billion Deal