BSkyB gets stake in international Nat Geo channels

摘要

BSkyB has taken a stake in National Geographic's international channel business in return for selling out of the documentary broadcaster's UK operation. Under a deal recently agreed with National Geographic Television and Fox International Channels, BSkyB's 50-percent shareholding in National Geographic Channel UK is being swapped for a 21-per-cent share in the overall entity. The deal simplifies the National Geographic channel structure globally in order to create a more nimble single operation. Fox International Channels will own 52.2 per cent and National Geographic Television, a subsidiary of the National Geographic Society, will own 26.8 per cent. BSkyB said: "It is anticipated that this re-alignment will be completed by the end of October 2007. There will be no material impact on the operations of the channel businesses." The UK, European, Latin American and international businesses will be merged into a "commonly owned entity". New Media Markets understands that BSkyB was keen to retain a stake in National Geographic because it did not want to cut ties with what is widely regarded as a successful business.