Viacom has taken a minority stake in the Israeli channels provider Ananey Communications Group.
Ananey already licenses or represents Viacom brands in Israel including Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. It also operates seven channels in its own right.
Nickelodeon has become Israel’s top-rated children’s channel, and alongside Nick Jr, reaches 49% of the youth audience, helped by Aanaey’s locally originated production slate.
David Lynn, President and CEO of Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), commented: “This deal will deepen our partnership with Ananey, which has delivered success for both companies over many years. We are delighted to cement our strong position in this valuable pay TV market and pursue new opportunities with a leading content producer in one of the most dynamic production sectors internationally. We have confidence that the Ananey team will continue to excel in the local and international market and we are excited about what the future will bring.”
Ananey also specialises in producing digital and interactive content and applications, including the SpongeBob Master mobile app that is available to download in Israel and Hungary and is expected to launch in the UK in 2017.
Udi Miron, Founder & Chairman, Ananey Communications Group, said: “This partnership with Viacom is testimony to the strength and creativity of Ananey Communications Group. After years of successfully representing Viacom in Israel, we are honoured to take this partnership one step further; we believe together we will achieve even greater success in Israel and internationally.”
Under the terms of the transaction, VIMN has an option to acquire a controlling stake in Ananey in the future.
VIMN Senior Vice President, General Manager for Central and Eastern Europe and Israel, Bartosz Witak, has joined the Ananey board.
