Singapore – Home Box Office Inc. (HBO), Time Warner’s US-based premium cable TV programming subsidiary has taken a majority stake in its Asian joint-venture company HBO Asia. Previously held by HBO, NBC Universal, Paramount Films and Sony Pictures Entertainment, HBO Asia is owned by HBO and Paramount under the new equity structure. HBO’s strong performance and brand recognition in Asia was the driving force behind HBO’s decision to acquire a majority stake in HBO Asia. The move also represents part of HBO’s efforts to expand internationally. HBO in Asia will continue to offer blockbuster hits through the output deals with major Hollywood studios including Columbia/TriStar, NBC Universal, Paramount/DreamWorks and Warner Bros. Currently available in 22 countries across Asia, HBO Asia, in addition to the HBO network, has launched Cinemax, three HBO multiplex services and HBO On Demand in its 15 years of operations in the region.