Scripps Networks Interactive Inc is set to acquire a majority stake in Indian New Delhi Television’s lifestyle unit for US$55 million as part of its plan to expand internationally. Under the deal, Scripps will take a 69 percent stake in NDTV Lifestyle, while NDTV Group will own the rest of the joint venture. Reports say that chief executive of NDTV Lifestyle, Smeeta Chakrabarti, and the rest of the unit’s management team will retain their posts after the deal is completed. NDTV’s lifestyle unit is anchored by the NDTV Good Times channel, launched by the group in 2007. The transaction, set to be completed by end Q1 2010, follows Scripps announcement of the launch of Food Network in Asia on 1 January, 2010. October 2009, company said it would launch Food Network through a joint venture with Chello Zone in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Scripps’ portfolio includes television and internet brands HGTV, Food Network, Fine Living Network and country music network Great American Country. In October, NDTV Networks Plc, the holding company for NDTV Group’s entertainment and lifestyle businesses, said it would buy back a 26 percent stake from NBC Universal.