Sony buys UK channels group CSC

Sony Pictures Television (SPT) is to acquire CSC Media Group in the UK, handing it ownership of a portfolio of 16 ad-supported channels in the territory.

The deal has been struck between SPT Networks and private equity firm Veronis Suhler Stevenson, majority shareholders in the CSC Media Group, with SPT acquiring 100 percent of the company – subject to regulatory approval.

“The acquisition of CSC further demonstrates our commitment to the UK market and our intent to continue to grow our tremendously successful global portfolio of networks,” said Andy Kaplan, SPT president of worldwide networks.

“These new channels perfectly complement our current offerings, allowing us to provide viewers with a variety of entertainment choices and advertisers with greater reach and cross-channel opportunities.”

Remy Minute, CEO of CSC Media Group, said: “CSC has grown from a small bouquet channel operator to become one of the leading multi-channel ad-supported TV networks in the UK. This combination with SPT allows us to accelerate our growth trajectory, both internationally and domestically.”

Once the acquisition is concluded, the company will report to Kate Marsh, SPT’s senior VP of networks for Western Europe.

SPT entered the UK market in 2011 with Sony Entertainment Television on Sky, later adding Sony Movie Channel, Movies 4 Men, and Movie Mix, following the 2012 acquisition of Dolphin TV.

The CSC acquisition will expands its offering into the music and children’s genres with the addition of brands including True Entertainment, Pop and Chart Show TV. It also grows SPT’s reach on the Freeview DTT platform from two to four channels.

CSC nets are also distributed internationally in Ireland and Sub-Saharan Africa.