Time Warner subsid Home Box Office has bought majority control of HBO Asia, previously owned jointly with NBC Universal, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Paramount Films.
The company is now controlled by HBO and Par.
“This was a move initiated by HBO. They felt the time was right and approached the other shareholders,” said HBO Asia chief exec Jonathan Spink. “It is seen very much as a vote of confidence in the business and the Asian region.”
Spink, who said the unit is profitable, hopes to expand its service options and expand geographically in the region.
Based in Singapore, the 15-year-old operation broadcasts to 22 Asian territories and provides five commercial-free paybox movie channels (HBO network, Cinemax and three HBO multiplex services) and a subscription video-on-demand service in Hong Kong.
It has movie supply deals with Columbia TriStar, NBC Universal, Paramount/DreamWorks, Warner Bros. and various other rights owners.
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