NATPE Takes Control of DISCOP East

BUDAPEST/LOS ANGELES: NATPE is taking over full organization and managerial responsibilities for DISCOP East, it was announced as the market kicked off in Budapest today.

Beginning with the June 2012 edition, the market for the Central and Eastern European programming business will be known as NATPE/BUDAPEST. NATPE will run the event as a companion to its annual convention, slated to be held in Miami in January, and distributors will be offered incentives to exhibit at both markets. Moreover, NATPE will continue to partner with DISCOP organizers Basic Lead on DISCOP Africa and DISCOP Istanbul, which will still be run by Patrick Jucaud, general manager of Basic Lead. Jucaud will also continue to work with NATPE on the Budapest market through the transition.

“We are very pleased to take this next step in the evolution of our relationship,” said Rick Feldman, the president and CEO of NATPE. “The acquisition offers many positives for NATPE and our clients, driven both by our strategy to enhance the value of NATPE in financial terms and our ability to serve our clients in growing international markets.”

He added, “The organization of two major global content markets in January and June will allow us to have a more consistent relationship with our clients throughout the year. We will continue to develop our partnership with Patrick in Africa, the broader Middle East and Central Asia and will benefit from his guidance as DISCOP East is transferred over to NATPE in preparation for June 2012.”

Jucaud noted, "This is a significant development for our Budapest-based event, as it expands into a truly globally focused market. As emerging markets continue to grow, this new arrangement also gives us the means to expand our events in strategic regions such as Africa, the broader Middle East and Central Asia. The success of the recent inaugural edition of DISCOP Istanbul underscored the continued importance of our geographically focused market formula and we look forward to enhancing these events and maximizing opportunities in all regions.”