FIC Buys Into Dutch Football Rights Holder EMM

AMSTERDAM: FOX International Channels (FIC) has purchased a 51-percent stake in Eredivisie Media & Marketing (EMM), which is backed by the Dutch Premier League (Eredivisie) football clubs and Endemol.

EMM handles the corporate media and sponsorship rights for Eredivisie and also controls the football channel Eredivisie Live. In the Netherlands, FIC already runs the channels National Geographic Channel and the digital channels 24Kitchen, Nat Geo Wild and FOXLife.

Alex Tielbeke, the director of media and marketing for Eredivisie, commented, "FOX International Channels is part of an international network of successful sports channels in the United States, Latin America, Asia and now Europe. We plan to use that knowledge and expertise as we continue to grow the success of Eredivisie Live.”

Frank Rutten, the director of Eredivisie Media & Marketing, added, “This is a tremendous opportunity for the Dutch clubs and our fans. Having a powerful partner like FIC join us demonstrates great confidence in the organization and appreciation for what we have achieved to date. Together, we will build on our past success with Eredivisie Live and will build an even stronger foundation for Dutch football and a vastly improved experience for the fans.”

Jesus Perezagua, the president of FOX International Channels Europe & Africa, said, “The partnership with EMM and the 18 Eredivisie clubs will push FIC in Europe to a new level. It introduces the Dutch Premier League to our brand portfolio in The Netherlands and adds sports to the entertainment genres where we already have strength: scripted, factual and lifestyle. This breadth is what makes FIC one of the most relevant players in the content distribution industry in Europe.”

Hernan Lopez, the president and CEO of FOX International Channels, added, “With our recent expansion in Latin America, Asia and now Europe, FIC is now on track to becoming a leading global sports broadcaster.”