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Saban seeks Asian expansion

Haim Saban’s media investment firm is opening its first Asian office as it plans to expand activity in the region.

Saban Capital Group has tapped its director Sumeet Jaisinghani to relocate from company headquarters in LA to run its Hong Kong office, which will oversee regional investments.

In July last year Saban Capital acquired a minority stake in Chinese children’s entertainment firm Taomee, in its first major investment in the region.

It then bought 7.5% of Indonesia’s biggest TV group, Media Nusantara Citra, and followed this by forming joint-venture pay-TV channel operator Celestial Tiger Entertainment (CTE) with Lionsgate Entertainment and Astro.

CTE assimilated its former Asian venture, Tiger Gate Entertainment.

“The expansion of our investment into Asia represents a strategic priority for Saban Capital Group. Our presence in Hong Kong provides us with a regional connection to the many exciting opportunities in media and communications in Asia while supporting our existing investments,” said president chief operating officer Adam Chesnoff.

Jaisinghani, who has spearheaded Saban’s drive into Asia, added: “As a highly specialised and long-term investor with a flexible mandate, we believe we are an ideal partner for entrepreneurs and companies in Asia.”

Media industry veteran Haim Saban launched Saban Capital in 2001 and remains chairman and CEO. The company has since invested in companies such as the US’s largest Hispanic channel Univision and German broadcaster ProSiebenSat.1.

It also launched US$500m brand division Saban Brands in 2010, which now owns the Power Rangers franchise.

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