Malaysian firm to buy 49% stake in NDTV Lifestyle for $40 mn

Media firm New Delhi Television (NDTV) today said Malaysia-based Astro All Asia Networks will acquire 49 per cent stake for $40 million (about Rs 182 crore) in its lifestyle subsidiary NDTV Lifestyle.

According to the transaction, South Asia Creative Assets Ltd, which is a subsidiary of Astro All Asia Networks Plc, will acquire 49 per cent stake in NDTV Lifestyle Holdings Private Ltd in two tranches, for USD 40 million (about Rs 182 crore), media company said in a filing to the Bombay Stock Exchange.

The balance 51 per cent stake in the joint venture will be held by NDTV. The transaction is subject to receiving all requisite regulatory approvals, the filing added.

In addition to operating NDTV Good Times, NDTV and Astro may also engage in non-material diversification into complementary lines related to the lifestyle segment through the joint venture company.

Astro All Asia Networks Plc is a cross-media group with significant presence in DTH (Direct-To-Home) TV services, commercial radio and TV programming.

Shares of NDTV were trading at Rs 114.75 on the BSE, up 0.75 per cent from the previous close.