beIN Completes Digiturk Acquisition

DOHA: beIN Media Group has completed its acquisition of the Turkish pay-TV operator Digiturk.

beIN purchased the Turkish pay-TV broadcaster from Çukurova Group and funds controlled by Providence Equity Partners for an undisclosed sum. Digiturk is the leading pay-TV operator in Turkey, with approximately 3.3 million subscribers.

This marks the latest in a string of high-profile moves for beIN, whose assets include beIN SPORTS, a network present in around 36 countries in North America, MENA, Europe and Asia through 38 channels. In November 2015, a new platform was launched in MENA including 28 beIN-owned channels with 20 related to sports, 4 to movies and 4 to kids. In March 2016, beIN acquired Miramax film studios, offering movie production capabilities and a library of more than 700 films to the group.

Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, the chairman and CEO of beIN Media Group, said: “This acquisition represents the largest deal in the history of our group and a major milestone in our global expansion. Furthermore, this acquisition underscores our commitment to provide the highest quality broadcast experience in high growth potential and mature markets. Neighboring the MENA region and within close proximity to our key markets in Europe and Asia, our expansion in Turkey is an essential next step for the beIN Media Group. Digiturk positions us as a leader in the fast-growing Turkish market and offers tremendous business opportunities in the years ahead. We look forward to further strengthening the Digiturk platform and advancing the exciting dynamics of the digital publishing and sports market in Turkey with our global experience.”