Zodiak Targets Russian/CIS Growth

MOSCOW/STOCKHOLM, January
17: Zodiak
Television is continuing its Russian and CIS expansion with the launch of
Zodiak Vostok to handle production, business development and sales in the
region.

Zodiak Vostok will be led by MD Patrick Nebout, the former head of
international co-productions at SVT who joined Zodiak Television in 2005 to
lead the group’s expansion in Russia and the CIS. Nebout will work with Zlata
Romanova as sales manager. The new entity will act as a business development
hub for the territory, supporting the production companies within TeleAlliance,
in which Zodiak Television owns a 51-percent share. TeleAlliance is ranked as
one of Russia’s top three production groups.

Key deals already concluded by Zodiak Vostok include the sale of the
Zodiak format Stars on Stage to Ukraine, Russia, Belarus and Armenia.
Zodiak format Shopaholic and Extreme Dating have also fared
well in the region. A key strategy for Zodiak Vostok in 2007 is to work with
the many regional channels in Russia and other CIS territories, as well
exploiting new technologies.

Nebout commented: “The Russian and CIS markets present a significant
growth opportunity for us to export our portfolio of formats and finished
programs. Supported by the great strength of our production companies, we have
the ability to localize strong shows from other Zodiak companies as well as
exploit the potential for a market which is just beginning to embrace new
technologies such as Internet TV and Internet based VOD.”

Patrick Svensk, the CEO of Zodiak Television, added, “Our aim is to
establish a significant presence in the region, both by developing new and
existing business relationships and by acquiring content and shares in new
companies. The opening of Zodiak Vostok, headed by staff with strong local
knowledge and experience, is a vital step toward this.”