By Mark Baber
January 22 – Manchester United have acquired the one-third minority equity stake in Manchester United Television (MUTV) held by BSkyB (Sky) giving the club 100% control of its television channel.
Manchester United has made the acquisition of Sky’s stake in MUTV as part of the club’s long-term digital media plans, to take full control of the content production and distribution capabilities of the business.
MUTV was launched in 1998 as a three-way joint venture, with UK broadcasters ITV and Sky as equal partners.
Since then, MUTV has developed considerable in-house expertise and Manchester United bought ITV’s one-third equity stake in November 2007.
MUTV is available in 57 countries around the world. It is accessed in the UK and Ireland by subscription on satellite and cable platforms, and in the rest of the world through a combination of subscription or as programming blocks purchased by local broadcasters.
“The acquisition of Sky’s stake is great news for all our fans who watch us around the globe, MUTV, its staff and the club,” said Manchester United commercial director Richard Arnold.
“We look forward to continuing to enhance our media proposition and distribution capabilities in the years to come,and delivering some of the best and most compelling content to our 659 million followers.
“Sky has been an active and highly-valued partner since the channel’s inception and has helped to build the best and most-watched club football channel in the world.
“We will continue to have a close relationship with Sky in the future.”
MUTV employs about 60 staff and operates from offices in central Manchester, a studio at Carrington (the club’s training ground) and from facilities within Old Trafford stadium.
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