Satellite operator Eutelsat announced the sale of its KabelKiosk service to pay-TV operator M7. KabelKiosk provides a platform of digital channels and interactive services for cable and IPTV networks in Germany. The sale includes a long-term agreement for M7 to lease multiple transponders at Eutelsat's 9 degrees East orbital position. Eutelsat will also continue to provide uplink services for the KabelKiosk platform from its teleports in Italy and France. In addition, Eutelsat and M7 Deutschland plan to establish a strategic partnership for connected TV, combining broadcast and on-demand video services.
The acquisition marks Luxembourg-based M7's entry on the German market. It is already active in a number of neighbouring countries, such as the Netherlands, Belgium and Czech Republic and recently launched on the same Eutelsat orbital slot in Hungary. In addition to further growing the KabelKiosk business, it plans to invest in new IPTV and OTT delivery platforms for Germany. KabelKiosk generated EUR 25 million in revenue in Eutelsat's 2012-2013 financial year. No financial details of the acquisition were disclosed. Subject to regulatory approvals, the sale is expected to close in July.
