Recent business deals in the Indian M&E space
RBNL collaborates with RTL for new channels
Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd. (RBNL) and the Europe-based RTL Group have finalized a deal to launch thematic TV channels in India through an equally owned JV, which will launch two channels, one each in the action and reality genres. The reality channel will feature international content, mainly from the RTL Group's production arm FremantleMedia. The channels are expected to go on air between August and December 2011. The venture will be a limited liability company incorporated in India, which will mark RTL’s entry into the country1.
Viacom18 enters distribution deal with Paramount
Viacom18, the JV between Viacom and the TV18 Group, has entered a deal with global movie company Paramount Pictures to market and distribute the latter’s movies in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Viacom18 has already ventured into producing Hindi-language movies, and the new deal will help it create a distribution network. It expects around 10–12 Hollywood movies from Paramount annually, which is likely to provide the group’s distribution pipeline with a constant supply of movies2.
Komli acquires Southeast Asian network Aktiv Digital
Komli Media, an Indian advertising network company, has acquired Aktiv Digital, one of the largest advertising networks operating in Southeast Asia. Aktiv Digital has a presence in Singapore, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Malaysia and China. This acquisition is expected to help Komli fill the gaps in its expansion plans for these South East Asian markets, which comprise different countries, regions, languages and cultures3.
1 "RBNL to launch two television channels," Mint, 8 June 2011, via Dow Jones Factiva, © 2011 HT Media Limited.
2 "Viacom18, Paramount Pictures in movie distribution pact," Exchange4Media.com, 19 May 2011, via Dow Jones Factiva, © 2011 Adsert Web Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
3 "Komli Media completes third acquisition in a year picking up Singapore-based Aktiv Digital," The Economic Times, 3 June 2011, via Dow Jones Factiva, © 2011 The Times of India Group.
