Stockholm – Zodiak Television has taken its first step into Asia by acquiring a 35% stake in Indian production company, Sol. The deal was finalized after the due diligence process following a Memorandum of Understanding inked in autumn 2007 between Zodiak and Sol’s owners. The partners will now co-operate actively to develop Sol, with the aim of eventually increasing Zodiak’s stake. Zodiak Television’s distribution unit Zodiak International will also license and distribute Sol’s formats internationally, excluding India. India’s growing demand for content and Sol’s current position in the market are expected to provide Zodiak an “important foothold” in the country. Sol is an independent production house launched by former UTV Executive Producers Kamna Nirula Menezes and Fazila Allana in Jan 2003. Specializing in non-fiction entertainment programmes and event management, Sol produces The STAR Parivaar Awards as well as Koffee with Karan and Nach Baliye among others. Patrick Svensk, President and CEO of Zodiak Television said, “The Indian content market is one of the most vibrant in the world. A country that has 220 million households, 50% of which have TV sets with 70 million multi-channel (subscribers), is an exciting prospect for us. With around 70 new channels set to launch this winter alone, the scope for content production is mind-blowing!” For the launch of Indian entertainment channel NDTV Imagine in January, Sol has closed two major commissions including daily format Nach Le Ve with Saroj Khan which features Bollywood choreographer Saroj Khan teaching dance moves, as well as original reality show Dhoom Macha De which follows 11 professional singers competing to be India’s best live performer.