Viacom International Media Networks Italia announces that it has signed an agreement with De Agostini Editore for the transfer of ownership of the remaining 50% of Super Broadcast S.R.L., the publisher of the TV channel on the free-to-air Super!, controlled since September 2017 by the two publishers
The addition of the channel to Viacom’s portfolio supports its strategy of strengthening its presence in the Italian market.
Super! has been for years a point of reference among the channels dedicated to children (4-14) on which it boasts a leading position with a combination of local and international products. The collaboration between the two groups De Agostini and Viacom will continue through a multi-year agreement for the supply of original De Agostini content and third parties, which will ensure the richness of the line up, mixed with animation and live action, which has decreed the success of the channel.
Andrea Castellari, CEO and General Manager of Viacom Italy, Middle East and Turkey commented: “I am very pleased to be able to confirm this further result in Viacom’s expansion strategy in Italy, a market in which we already have a solid position on the Pay platform, with some of our main brands and premium content, including Nickelodeon. The acquisition of Super! reinforces our relevance in the kids market in Italy by increasing the exposure of our properties and contact points.”
“Super! was a success that went beyond expectations: after launching the channel in 2012, in an overcrowded scenario, we are proud to have led it to leadership in 2018, a position confirmed in 2019. Let’s pass the baton on to Viacom, which will certainly be able to further enhance the legacy of the Super! brand to focus on pay channels, digital platforms and the production and co-production of content that we have already started successfully, such as De Agostini Editore, in recent years,” says Pierfrancesco Gherardi, Managing Director of the Digital Division of De Agostini Editore.
Through this acquisition Viacom in Italy reaches over 35 million viewers per month and strengthens its position as one of the most important international media networks in the Italian market.
Viacom International Media Networks, in Italy already owns 100% of the channels Paramount Network, Spike, VH1 on the FTA and MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon on the Sky platform.
