CBS Paramount International TV Takes on CSI

LOS ANGELES, January 14: With the sale of Alliance Atlantis
complete, CBS Paramount International Television has taken on the worldwide
distribution rights to the CSI franchise,
effective immediately.

CBS Paramount International Television has taken on all
three series following the closing of a 2007 agreement between CBS Corporation
and GS Capital Partners, a private equity fund managed by Goldman, Sachs &
Co. GS Capital Partners had previously purchased Alliance Atlantis’ financial
interest in the CSI franchise, and will
remain 50/50 partners with CBS in the franchise. CBS Paramount International
Television will take over existing international
agreements and will be responsible for all future sales around the world of the
three CSI shows: CSI: Crime Scene
Investigation, CSI: Miami and CSI: NY.
Each series in the franchise is licensed in over 180 territories.

“We are thrilled to be able to add the world’s most popular
franchise to our portfolio,” commented Armando Nuñez, Jr., the president of CBS
Paramount International Television. “Alliance Atlantis did a fantastic job
selling the CSI series around the world
and we look forward to continuing to work with broadcasters worldwide to
maintain and expand the success in their territories. The opportunities for
this franchise are endless as we collaborate with current and potential buyers
to find new windows and new technologies to satisfy the viewer demand for these
series.”

—By
Mansha Daswani