Lauder buys two Bulgarian TV channels

Published: 29-Jul-2008

Central European Media Enterprises (CME), part of Estée Lauder has purchased 80% of two Bulgarian cable TV channels, Sofia News Agency reports. The company is to buy TV2, a national cable network, and sports cable channel Ring TV from Top Tone Media Holdings Limited in a $172m deal, which is expected to be finalised in two weeks.


Central European Media Enterprises (CME), part of Estée Lauder has purchased 80% of two Bulgarian cable TV channels, Sofia News Agency reports. The company is to buy TV2, a national cable network, and sports cable channel Ring TV from Top Tone Media Holdings Limited in a $172m deal, which is expected to be finalised in two weeks.

CME is also due to sign a contract with Bulgarian media and advertising consultant Krasimir Gergovm, alleged to be the informal owner of both TV2 and Ring TV.

“This acquisition is an important next step in the continuing expansion of our free-to-air broadcasting operations in central and eastern Europe. Our entrance into the Bulgarian market represents the first new CME territory in three years,” Michael Garin, ceo of CME, is quoted as saying. “We look forward to entering Bulgaria, which has a dynamic economy and a rapidly growing television and advertising market.”

TV2 and Ring TV will join 16 other CME-owned European TV channels, from countries including Croatia, Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Ukraine, concludes the report.

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