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Sky M&A veteran joins Discovery

Discovery Communications has appointed a mergers and acquisitions exec from UK-based pay TV operator Sky to identify investment opportunities across Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific.

Anil Jhingan

Anil Jhingan becomes exec VP of corporate development in EMEA and APAC, with a remit to lead Discovery’s ‘corporate development’ strategy. He reports to Bruce Campbell, chief development, distribution and legal officer, based in London.

Jhingan was previously group director of M&A and international development for Sky, where he has been for almost two decades. He played a key role in transactions including the operator’s acquisition of Sky Deutschland and Sky Italia, as well as its recent public takeover by Comcast.

Campbell said Jhingan would “help continue our growth story by identifying and executing strategic growth and expansion opportunities, transactions, partnerships and investments.

“Anil’s deep industry knowledge and substantial international experience will provide a real advantage in these key regions as we continue to identify investment and other opportunities to further enhance our growth.”

JB Perrette, president and CEO of Discovery International, added: “Our international business is focused on creating dynamic growth opportunities that build continued scale and differentiation. Anil will be a great addition to the team as we pursue new opportunities to power people’s passions.”

Discovery has been ramping up its investments over the past five years, taking full ownership of Eurosport in 2015 and a majority stake in US channel OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network for US$70m in late 2017.

It then acquired Scripps Networks Interactive last year, taking over its channel brands such as HGTV, Food Network, Travel Channel, DIY and Polish network TVN in a deal valued at US$14.6bn.

It also took Scripps’ 50% stake in UK-based cabsat channel operator UKTV, a joint venture with BBC Studios (BBCS). Discovery and BBCS subsequently struck a deal to divide up the company, with the factual giant taking control of UKTV’s lifestyle channels and BBCS handed UKTV’s entertainment channels.

BBCS and Discovery are also working on a joint-venture global natural history SVoD service as part of their agreement.

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