Discovery acquires CNBC-e in Doğuş deal

Discovery Communications has entered into a strategic partnership with Turkey’s Doğuş Media Group, which will see it take control of free-to-air channel CNBC-e.

Under the deal, Discovery will increase its line-up to 13 channels and strengthen its position in the territory.

The acquisition of news and entertainment channel CNBC-e from Doğuş marks Discovery’s first step into the Turkish free-to-air sector.

Assuming customary closing conditions are satisfied, the deal is expected to be concluded later this year.

CNBC-e will continue to air as normal and be operated by the existing team in the interim.

Doğuş has also been appointed as Discovery’s exclusive ad sales representative in Turkey.

“Our expanded relationship with Doğuş, including ad sales representation and new investments such as the acquisition of the CNBC-e channel, will see us reach the next level in Turkey,” said Kasia Kieli, president and MD of Discovery Networks Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa.