Discovery Completes Takeover of SBS Nordic Networks

SILVER SPRING: Discovery Communications has officially taken over the SBS Nordic operations of ProSiebenSat.1 Group, resulting in the creation of a combined entity called SBS Discovery Media.

The acquisition provides Discovery with 12 additional television networks, as well as several top radio stations and digital brands across Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland. The company’s TV brands in the Nordic region include Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Discovery Science, Investigation Discovery, Discovery World, Discovery HD Showcase and Animal Planet HD

"The formation of SBS Discovery Media solidifies Discovery’s long-term growth in some of the most well-penetrated and stable TV markets in the world, while also expanding Discovery’s brand portfolio by adding scripted entertainment programming to the company’s suite of genres," stated David Zaslav, the president and CEO of Discovery Communications. "This acquisition, along with the recent announcement of Discovery’s equity stake in Eurosport, is a continuation of a 25-year strategy of investing internationally to build the most extensive global footprint in media and extending our presence in key markets to support long-term growth and diversify the company’s offerings."

Discovery has named Henrik Ravn as the president and managing director of the SBS Discovery Media business, which includes both Discovery’s and SBS’s networks and operations in the Nordic region. Ravn had been serving as the head of SBS Nordic since 2009. He was first hired by the company in 2003 as CEO of the TV business in Denmark.

"Discovery is fortunate to add Henrik Ravn, a strong and experienced leader, to our international team," said Mark Hollinger, the president and CEO of Discovery Networks International. "Henrik’s proven ability and knowledge of the market, along with the expertise and creativity of the entire team at SBS, will be a tremendous asset for the company as we continue to grow our networks and businesses in the Nordic region and strengthen Discovery’s leadership position around the world."

"I am extremely pleased to be joining a global leader like Discovery, and look forward to working with the combined team at SBS Discovery Media to grow our market position across the Nordics," added Ravn. "I am confident that the combination of Discovery’s leading factual content, along with SBS’s mix of locally produced entertainment programs, sports and the best scripted series and movies from major studios, provides a well-rounded and complementary suite of viewing options for consumers across all demographics, as well as additional scale and reach for advertising and affiliate partners throughout the region."

The SBS Discovery Media senior management team will also include Christian Kemp as the CEO for Denmark, Jonas Sjögren as the CEO for Sweden/Finland, Harald Strømme as the CEO for Norway, Hans van Rijn as the business development director, Eivind Landsverk as the programming and content director and Quinton Holland as the CFO. In addition, Jan Andreassen, who leads Discovery’s Nordic business, will be part of the integration team, and Discovery’s Darren Campbell will serve as the VP of human resources.