Herbert Smith has advised client Chello Zone (a Chellomedia group company) on the expansion of its partnership with CBS Studios International, which was announced on 1 August 2012.
Following the success of the CBS Chellozone UK Channels Partnership formed in 2009, this new partnership will create CBS-branded channels from Chello Zone’s existing suite of channels which are already broadcast in 83 territories across Europe, the Middle East and Africa to 43 million subscribers.
Chello Zone’s channels will be rebranded as CBS Reality, Drama and Action and will host world famous titles such as Judge Judy, Star Trek and America’s Next Top Model.
CBS will take a 30% stake in the new partnership and will contribute both programming and the right to use the CBS trademark. The channels will continue to be operated by Chello Zone. The transaction is conditional on certain regulatory and other approvals.
The Herbert Smith team was led by corporate partner James MacArthur, with assistance from corporate associates Amy Waddington and Hayley Brady.
James MacArthur commented:
“We are delighted to have assisted Chello Zone on the significant expansion of its relationship with CBS Studios International. I have worked with the Chello Zone team since they became part of the Chellomedia group in 2005 and it has been a great pleasure to be involved in the development of its platform throughout that time.”
Dechert LLP (Graham Defries and James Stonehill) advised CBS Studios International.
