International pay-television broadcaster beIN Media Group has assumed full control of the beIN Sports channels in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.
BeIN Media Group acquired the remaining 50-per-cent shareholdings in the channels from the MP & Silva agency, which entered into a joint venture with the broadcaster back in 2013.
BeIN Media Group said that the transaction would allow it to “fully implement its market strategy in the region in terms of both production, expanded programming and content.” The broadcaster’s exclusive rights to LaLiga, the top division of Spanish football, will also be available via the channels in Asia.
“Our priority is to continue expanding our reach in Asia,” beIN Media Group chief executive and chairman Nasser Al Khelaifi said. “Our latest Australian acquisition has been very successful. Our intention is to continue in building a solid network of countries in the Asia-Pacific region and deliver world-class content and stellar sports programming in markets with high growth potential.”
MP & Silva chief executive Marco Auletta said: “This joint venture has shown the unique capability and expertise of MP & Silva in pioneering a new way of media rights distribution in Southeast Asian markets. It has successfully created more competition in the region for the benefit of both rights holders and fans.”