FIC completes Setanta Africa buyout

Fox International Channels (FIC) has completed its buyout of Setanta Africa after receiving approval from the Irish Competition Authority. 

FIC, which announced in early October that it was in the final stages of acquiring the African sports channel provider, now holds a 100% stake in Setanta Africa Services.

The company broadcasts three sports channels: Setanta Africa, which is available in English and French; Zuku Sports HD, which is available in East Africa; and the recently launched Setanta Action.

The channels broadcast to more than a million homes throughout sub-Saharan Africa and air sports content including football leagues from around the world, rugby, mixed martial arts and other sporting events.

Commenting on the deal last month, prior to the Irish Competition Authority approval, Alessandro Tucci, senior vice-president and general manager of Fox International Channels Africa, said: “The incorporation of Setanta Africa into our FIC Africa operation, which already includes leading entertainment, factual, lifestyle and children’s channels further reinforces our overall desire to invest and grow our presence in this rapidly expanding region.

“Our commitment to deliver high quality content across all of our channels naturally extends to this new addition to our family.”