Antenna Group acquires Sony’s channels in Central and Eastern Europe

Antenna Group has acquired 22 pay TV channels  and two streaming services in Central and Eastern Europe from Sony Pictures Television. The sale forms part of Sony’s quest to sell its free-to-air networks. “We have invested in this region for more than 20 years aiming to provide the best entertainment and news content locally,” Theodore Kyriakou, Chairman of Antenna Group said.

The Greece-based company considers the acquisition of the major company’s AXN, Sony and Viasat Pay TV channels, and on demand services,  featuring content from producers including Sony, CBS, Warner Bros, NBC Universal, Disney and eOne, a “major investment.” Financial details have not been revealed. The investment follows Sony’s free-to-air operations sales in the UK and the US, as well as its four Asian channels to KC Global Media Entertainment, launched by Sony aulms.

This latest deal means Antenna, which has investments across Europe, Australia and North America, will expand its reach in Poland, Hungary, Czechia, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, Bosnia Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Montenegro. The new acquisition will allow it to reach 90% of the pay-TV market, which amounts to more than 24 million subscribers across the 12 territories. “As Antenna Group continues to invest in media opportunities globally, the CEE region remains an important focus for us,” Kyriakou said.

With the new additions, the company hopes to enhance its current programming offering and include more shows crafted by US producers. “This acquisition is yet another step in this direction whilst unlocking further growth in these markets,” Kyriakou said.