Sony Pictures Television to increase stake in multiscreen media

Sony Pictures Television (SPT), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc., has signed an agreement to acquire approximately 32 percent of the shares of Multi Screen Media Private Limited (MSM), which are owned by Grandway Global Holdings Limited (“Grandway”) and Atlas Equifin Private Limited (“Atlas”). The agreement, subject to government approval, will bring SPT’s interest in MSM to a little over 94 percent. The closing for this transaction is expected to take place by the end of December 2012. “SPT has enjoyed great success with our channels in India and this acquisition further demonstrates our commitment to entertaining Indian audiences,” said Andy Kaplan, president, worldwide networks, SPT. “We’d especially like to thank Grandway and Atlas for their entrepreneurial spirit that helped to get this venture off the ground 17 years ago.” MSM operates television networks in India and its channels include Sony Entertainment Television (SET), one of India's leading Hindi general entertainment television channels; MAX, India's premium movies and special events channel; SAB, a Hindi channel focusing on entertaining modern India; PIX, a channel that airs Hollywood movie product; MIX, a dedicated music channel; and the recently launched sports channel, SIX. Under the terms of the agreement for this acquisition, aggregate cash consideration of USD271 million will be paid by SPT to Grandway and Atlas, subject to receipt of any necessary government approval, with USD145 million expected to be paid by SPT at the closing of the acquisition by the end of December 2012 and the remaining USD126 million to be paid in three equal annual installments starting from the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014. A substantial portion of the impact from this acquisition has already been included in Sony Corporation's consolidated financial forecasts for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2013 and no material impact from this acquisition is anticipated on such forecasts.