BeIN Media Group, the holding company of Qatari pay-television broadcaster beIN Sports, has closed a deal to acquire the Setanta Sports Australia pay-television operation.
The agreement, which was first reported in August, will result in Setanta Sports Australia being rebranded as beIN Sports Australia.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it furthers the development of the beIN Sports brand in the Asia-Pacific region following previous launches in Indonesia, the Philippines, Hong Kong and Thailand.
Nasser Al-Khelaifi (pictured), chief executive of beIN Media Group, said: “This acquisition is in line with the strategy of beIN Media Group and beIN Sports to create one of the leading premium sports networks in the world. The launch of beIN Sports Australia in a highly developed sports market is another important step in that direction. Australian sports fans are passionate and knowledgeable, and beIN Sports will offer fans a new and entertaining way to watch the best sports moments.”
Setanta Sports has operated in the Australian market since 2005 and is currently carried by pay-television operator Foxtel.
It holds a host of football rights including the German Bundesliga, Italian Serie A, Uefa Europa League and England international games. Setanta Sports Australia also boasts a strong rugby union portfolio including national team competition the Six Nations and newly-formed European club events the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup.