A+E Networks buys over AETN

In a move to expand its footprint and launch new brands including Lifetime, A+E Networks will assume full ownership of AETN All Asia Networks, the Singapore-based company formed as a joint venture with Astro Overseas Limited (AOL) in 2007.A+E Networks' portfolio of channel brands, including HISTORY, Crime & Investigation Network and BIO, will continue to have carriage in Malaysia and Brunei through agreements with Astro Malaysia, an affiliate of AOL.A+E Networks and AOL will also establish a regional production partnership designed to nurture the production activity across South East Asia by developing the local talent pool and to create original content for regional and international audiences."Through our relationship with A+E Networks, we will develop and create compelling content and help elevate the creative industry in the region through the setting up of the regional production partnership," said Zainir Aminullah, senior vice president, AOL.AETN All Asia Networks' management team will report to Alan Hodges, managing director, Asia-Pacific for A+E Networks.AETN All Asia Networks operates and distributes HISTORY, HISTORY HD, Crime & Investigation Network, and BIO in Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Macau, Papua New Guinea, Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, Palau and Thailand.  The group also manages the broadcast of HISTORY and HISTORY HD in Korea.