A+E Networks to take full ownership of Asian JV with Astro

MUMBAI: A+E Networks has said that it will assume full ownership of AETN All Asia Networks, the Singapore-based company formed as a joint venture with Astro Overseas Limited (AOL) in 2007.

The move comes as A+E networks looks to expand its footprint and launch new brands, including Lifetime.

A+E Networks? portfolio of channel brands, including History, Crime & Investigation Network and BIO, will continue to have carriage in Malaysia and Brunei through agreements with Astro Malaysia, an affiliate of AOL.

In India A+E Networks has JV with Network18 Group which operates History TV18 channel.

"Five years ago when we were exploring options to launch our brands in South East Asia, Astro was the clear choice to be our partner due to their local expertise and their strong record as a Pay-TV leader in the region," said A+E Networks EVP, Enterprises Steve Ronson. "Astro has been and will continue to be a very important partner for us, and we are very pleased to see our relationship evolve and grow."

A+E Networks and AOL will also establish a regional production partnership designed to nurture the production activity across South East Asia. The production partnership will help develop the local talent pool, and to create original content for regional and international audiences.

"As a leading media group in the region, we are happy to continue to our relationship with A+E Networks to develop and create compelling content and help elevate the creative industry in the region through the setting up of the regional production partnership," said AOL SVP Zainir Aminullah.

AETN All Asia Networks? management team will report to A+E Networks Asia Pacific MD Alan Hodges.

"We view Asia as critically important for our international growth, and assuming full ownership of AETN All Asia Networks is a big step," said A+E Networks Executive Vice President, International Sean Cohan. "This new structure will allow us to expand our brand portfolio and grow distribution throughout the region."

AETN All Asia Networks operates and distributes History, History HD, Crime & Investigation Network, and BIO in Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Macau, Papua New Guinea, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Palau and Thailand. The group also manages the broadcast of History and History HD in Korea.

The transaction is subject to various conditions and approvals. The parties hope to close the deal by early 2013.