A+E Networks buys NBCU out of German JV
June 1, 2017
A+E Networks will acquire full ownership of A+E Networks Germany following a successful 12-year joint venture with NBCUniversal International (NBCUI).
A+E Networks Germany operates HISTORY and A&E in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Luxembourg, Alto Adige and Liechtenstein. Both channels have full distribution on cable and satellite platforms in the markets.
“We are incredibly proud of the success we have achieved with our partner NBCUniversal International since 2005,” said Sean Cohan, President, International & Digital, A+E Networks. “With powerful brands, HISTORY and A&E, and a talented local team, we look forward to building on that success with strategic investment in local programming and new linear and digital services to grow our audiences in one of the world’s largest media markets.”
The acquisition of full ownership in Germany reinforces A+E Networks’ international strategy to take a greater ownership position in its ventures around the world. A+E Networks Germany joins wholly-owned and majority owned A+E Networks’ entities, including Southeast Asia, Italy, Japan, and most recently, Korea, which is set to launch this autumn.
The transaction is subject to regulatory approval.