Distressed B2B company Aferian has agreed to sell its two TV technology sister companies—Amino (set tops and digital signage) and 24i Media (UX software)—to a single buyer for $1.8 million. This is surprising, as we originally expected Amino and 24i to be sold to separate buyers, primarily because of the difficult economic climate but also because of their different directions. A horizontal integration of the two technology arms will now be considered by the new parent company, Sapphire Technology Group, However, when we scratch below the surface of the buyer, the outcome is not surprising at all. London-based Sapphire Technology Group is a newly created private investment vehicle, which we understand was created specifically to buy Amino and 24i. The…