Discovery Networks International Acquires Setanta Sports Asia Network

Discovery Communications said on Tuesday that "its Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific unit has acquired Setanta Sports Asia, a sports channel specializing in rugby," according to Georg Szalai of the HOLLYWOOD REPORTER. The company said that reaching more than 42 million homes across 16 countries, Setanta Sports Asia "is one of the fastest-growing sports channels in Asia." Financial details were not disclosed. The acquisition "comes with a new five-year renewal of South Africa, New Zealand and Australian rugby rights." The network's other programming "includes the European Rugby Champions Cup and England's Aviva Premiership." Discovery Networks Int'l President JB Perrette said that Eurosport CEO Peter Hutton, who joined the firm a few months ago, "would be leading the strategy of the newest sports brand in the Discovery family" (HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, 6/16).