A+E Networks will acquire full ownership of A+E Networks Germany following a 12-year joint venture with NBC Universal International.
The move was announced today by Sean Cohan, President, International & Digital, A+E Networks, in New York. The transaction of which financial details were not disclosed is subject to regulatory approval.
A+E Networks Germany operates History and A&E in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Luxembourg, South Tyrol and Liechtenstein. Both channels have full distribution on cable and satellite platforms. History and A&E currently reach more than five and four million subscribers respectively in the markets.
“We are incredibly proud of the success we have achieved with our partner NBC Universal International since 2005,” said Cohan. “With powerful brands, History and A&E, and a talented local team, we look forward to building on that success with strategic investment in local programming and new linear and digital services to grow our audiences in one of the world’s largest media markets.”
The acquisition of full ownership in Germany reinforces A+E Networks’ international strategy to take a greater ownership position in its ventures around the world. After Italy, Germany will be the second European country with a wholly owned A+E Networks entity.
UPDATE, June 2, 2017: NBC Universal remains present in the German TV market with its wholly owned channels Syfy, 13th Street, Universal Channel and E! Entertainment. There won’t be changes in the shareholding, a spokeswoman of NBC Universal Global Networks Deutschland confirmed to Broadband TV News.
