BSkyB Sells its Share of Manchester United Television

MANCHESTER: The sports group Manchester United has purchased BSkyB’s shares in Manchester United Television (MUTV), now holding 100-percent ownership.

MUTV was originally launched as a three-way joint venture with ITV and Sky. Manchester United bought ITV’s one-third equity stake in November 2007. The acquisition of Sky’s one-third minority equity share by Manchester United is part of its long-term digital media plans, and it now owns 100 percent of the content production and distribution capabilities of the business. MUTV is available in 57 countries around the world.

Richard Arnold, the commercial director of Manchester United, said: "The acquisition of Sky’s stake is great news for all of our fans who watch us around the globe, MUTV, its staff and the Club. We look forward to continuing to enhance our media proposition and distribution capabilities in the years to come; and delivering some of the best and most compelling content to our 659 million followers.

"Sky has been an active and highly-valued partner since the channel’s inception and has helped to build the best and most watched club football channel in the world. We will continue to have a close relationship with Sky in the future."