Discovery buys into Middle East

Discovery Communications has announced plans to acquire Dubai-based media company Takhayal Entertainment and its related businesses there and in Egypt, including flagship TV network Fatafeat.

The US factual giant said today it was in the final stages of formalising the deal – the financial terms of which were not disclosed.

The acquisition represents a significant step in Discovery’s efforts to increase its presence in the Middle East and also an expansion of its involvement in the culinary genre.

Fatafeat is described as the number one food network in the Middle East, broadcasting to 55 million TV households and spanning North Africa as well.

Discovery’s pay-TV portfolio, including female-skewing nets TLC and Real Time, already air in the region but the addition of Takhayal is designed to strengthen this presence and also brings with it a significant library of cooking recipes and shows, plus a production facility.

Takhayal counts 700 hours programmes within its catalogue with 150-200 new ones being added every year from the in-house studio. It launched in 2005, has offices in Dubai and Cairo and works with a distribution network in 14 countries around the region. Its activities span TV, publishing and digital media.

“The acquisition of Takhayal, the premier company for cuisine and culinary programming in the Middle East, significantly strengthens our portfolio in this important region and adds content in a genre that has proven popular with our viewers around the globe,” said Discovery Networks International CEO Mark Hollinger.

Takhayal CEO Youssef El-Deeb said Fatafeat had become “one of the leading TV channels in the Middle East since it launched five years ago.”

Shows among its line-up include Matbakhna El Arabi (Our Arabian Cuisine), Shourba Wi Naknaka (Soups and Snacks) and Wala Bil Ahlam (Dream Desserts).

“Discovery will enable us to take the business to the next level,” added El-Deeb.

Takhayal Entertainment will be managed as part of Discovery’s Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEEMEA) region, led by president and general manager Kasia Kieli.

The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval but is expected to close by the end of the year.

The latest development comes after Discovery revealed earlier this month that it is in talks with French broadcaster TF1 about a strategic alliance designed to further bolster its copro and pay-TV activities in Europe.