New York/Singapore – A+E Networks 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. The transaction is subject to various conditions and approvals, and the parties hope to close by early 2013.
A statement from A+E Networks: “This morning, Louis Boswell announced he will be leaving AETN All Asia Networks at the end of the year after over 5 years as General Manager. Since joining AETN All Asia Networks shortly after its formation, Louis has been the driver of the successful expansion of the A+E Networks’ brands in the region. While we respect Louis’ decision, we are sad to see him leave and wish him the best of luck.”
AETN All Asia Networks’ management team will report to Alan Hodges, Managing Director, Asia-Pacific for A+E Networks. The broadcaster’s 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.
“Five years ago when we were exploring options to launch our brands in Southeast 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 Steve Ronson, Executive Vice President, Enterprises for A+E Networks. “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 Southeast Asia. The production partnership will help develop the local talent pool, and to create original content for regional and international audiences.
“We view Asia as critically important for our international growth, and assuming full ownership of AETN All Asia Networks is a big step,” said Sean Cohan, Executive Vice President, International for A+E Networks. “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.
