Lovells

Lovells has advised the European content division of Liberty Global Inc., Chellomedia, on the acquisition of Spektrum, the leading documentary channel in Central Europe, from HBO Central Europe.  The deal was announced on 8 September.  With the acquisition, Spektrum will become the eighth channel in Chellomedia's portfolio which includes children's, movies, sports and lifestyle.  

Chellomedia is the leading international media company and distributor of channels, content and video services.  The division owns and operates 26 branded TV channels and runs digital, On Demand and broadband services in Europe reaching 220 million homes.
 
Lovells' corporate practice recently advised Liberty Global on several transactions including the acquisition of Minimax.   Other recent media sector deals include advising:  

• ITV on the proposed £4.8bn bid by NTL
• H Bauer on the £1.1bn acquisition of media group Emap's consumer magazines and commercial radio stations divisions
• Prof-Media on the $360m acquisition of MTV Russia and VH1 Russia TV Networks  

The cross-border Lovells team advising on the Chellomedia acquisition was led by Alan Greenough and included Keith Woodhouse and Michael Stewart (London), László Partos and Csaba Tóth (Budapest) and Miroslav Dubovsky and Pavel Skopovy (Prague).  

Speaking today Alan Greenough said:             

"This transaction shows Lovells' strength in the media sector and our ability to act on complex cross-border transactions in Central Europe".

About Lovells  

With over 3,000 people operating from 26 offices in Asia, Europe and the United States, Lovells is one of the world's leading international law firms. We advise many of the world's largest corporations, financial institutions and governmental organisations.  We regularly act on complex, multi jurisdictional transactions as well as some of the most high profile commercial disputes.  Lovells (the "firm") is an international legal practice comprising Lovells LLP and its affiliated businesses.  Lovells LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC323639.  Registered office and principal place of business: Atlantic House, Holborn Viaduct, London EC1A 2FG.  

The word "partner" is used to refer to a member of Lovells LLP, or an employee or consultant with equivalent standing and qualifications, and to a partner, member, employee or consultant in any of its affiliated businesses who has equivalent standing.  

www.lovells.com