SPTI Acquires Central European Anime Channel

LONDON, October 5: Sony Pictures Television International
(SPTI) has acquired A+, a dedicated anime channel that airs on Minimax in
Hungary, Romania, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

The channel will be part of SPTI’s international networks
group, which includes over 45 channels around the world. A+ will be operated
and controlled by SPTI’s international networks group out of the U.K. Minimax
will continue the day to day running of A+ through a channel management service
arrangement, with business and editorial direction received from SPTI and
working closely with SPTI's international networks team in Budapest. A+ will
remain in the same time slot, of 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Ross Hair, SPTI’s senior VP of international networks,
noted, “The acquisition of A+ is an excellent opportunity for SPTI to develop a
well established channel that already commands a loyal following in the 15 to
25 year old age group. The commercial rationale for this acquisition is
compelling given an existing subscriber base in excess of four million homes,
the potential for incremental distribution revenues and the appeal of the
channel to advertisers. We are delighted to take ownership of A+ whilst
continuing to work with Minimax in the day-to-day management of the channel.
With our long tradition of operating anime channels in Asia and the Americas,
SPTI is now proud to bring A+ to screens across Central Europe”.

Minimax entered the Hungarian market in 1999, before
launching in Romania (2001), the Czech Republic and Slovakia (2003). It targets
the 4-to-12 set and reaches more than 5 million subscribers.