Modern Times Group, the multi-territory commercial and pay-television broadcaster, has acquired a 22-per-cent stake in digital services provider Engage Sports Media and announced the launch of a new premium sports channel in Sweden.
ESM produces branded video content for clients and has partners in football, rugby, cricket, motorsport and horse racing.
MTG has the option to increase its shareholding in the future.
According to ESM chief executive Gregg Oldfield, the investment will provide his company with the funds to expand its services and operations for sports-rights-holders.
“It also provides a catalyst to invest with our partners into the development of IP, content and format assets,” he said.
MTG’s new channel in Sweden, Viasat Sport Premium, will offer coverage of the top football divisions in England, Spain and Italy, as well as the Uefa Champions League European club competition.
The new channel, which will be launched in August, will be part of the Viasat Gold, Viasat Silver, and Viasat Sport packages and will also be available via the Viaplay streaming service.
“With 13,000 hours of live sports in 2016, we have the largest sports offering in the company’s history, we intend to package in a way that gives our viewers the best possible overall experience,” said Anders Jensen, the head of MTG Sweden.