A+E Networks Takes Full Ownership of Southeast Asian JV

NEW YORK/SINGAPORE: A+E Networks is assuming 100-percent ownership of the Singapore-based joint venture it set up with Malaysia’s Astro to roll out its pay-TV brands across Southeast Asia.

Astro will continue to carry HISTORY, Crime & Investigation Network and BIO in Malaysia and Brunei following A+E taking full control of AETN All Asia Networks, the joint venture established in 2007. In addition, A+E is establishing a regional production partnership with Astro.

The move comes as A+E Networks looks to expand its presence in the region with the addition of Lifetime, among other brands. AETN All Asia Networks’ management team will report to Alan Hodges, the managing director for the Asia Pacific at A+E Networks. The division operates and distributes HISTORY, HISTORY HD, Crime & Investigation Network, and BIO in Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Macau, Papua New Guinea, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Palau and Thailand. The group also manages the broadcast of HISTORY and HISTORY HD in Korea.

“Five years ago when we were exploring options to launch our brands in Southeast Asia, Astro was the clear choice to be our partner due to their local expertise and their strong record as a pay-TV leader in the region,” said Steve Ronson, executive VP of enterprises for A+E Networks. “Astro has been and will continue to be a very important partner for us, and we are very pleased to see our relationship evolve and grow.”

“As a leading media group in the region, we are happy to continue our relationship with A+E Networks to develop and create compelling content and help elevate the creative industry in the region through the setting up of the regional production partnership,” said Zainir Aminullah, senior VP of Astro Overseas Limited.

Sean Cohan, executive VP for international at A+E Networks, added, “This new structure will allow us to expand our brand portfolio and grow distribution throughout the region.”