A+E Networks to take full control of AETN All Asia Networks

The move comes as A+E networks looks to expand its footprint and launch new brands, including Lifetime, which features popular TV shows such as Project Runway, How I Met Your Mohter and Desperate Housewives.

A+E Networks’ portfolio of channel brands, including History, Crime & Investigation Network and Bio, will continue to have carriage in Malaysia and Brunei through agreements with Astro Malaysia, an affiliate of AOL.

“Five years ago when we were exploring options to launch our brands in Southeast Asia, Astro was the clear choice to be our partner due to their local expertise and their strong record as a Pay-TV leader in the region,” said Steve Ronson, executive vice president, Enterprises for A+E Networks.

A+E Networks and AOL will also establish a regional production partnership designed to nurture the production activity across Southeast Asia. The production partnership will help develop the local talent pool, and to create original content for regional and international audiences.

AETN All Asia Networks’ management team will report to Alan Hodges, managing director, Asia-Pacific for A+E Networks.

“We view Asia as critically important for our international growth, and assuming full ownership of AETN All Asia Networks is a big step,” said Sean Cohan, executive vice president, International for A+E Networks. “This new structure will allow us to expand our brand portfolio and grow distribution throughout the region.”

AETN All Asia Networks operates and distributes History, History HD, Crime & Investigation Network, and Bio in Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Macau, Papua New Guinea, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Palau and Thailand. The group also manages the broadcast of History and History HD in Korea.

The transaction, which is expected to close by early 2013, is subject to various conditions and approvals.