International law firm CMS advised NBCUniversal and Sky (both owned by Comcast) on their new partnership with African media company MultiChoice Group for the Showmax streaming service. CMS advised on the supply of TV content and the provision of services across all markets.
The new Showmax partnership, which is subject to customary closing conditions, will be 70% owned by MultiChoice and 30% by NBCUniversal and will build on Showmax’s existing success in the region following its launch in 2015. It aims to create the leading streaming service in Africa - one of the world's most vibrant, fastest growing markets - and is intended to operate in approximately 50 countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
Showmax subscribers will have access to an extensive range of premium content. The service will offer audiences a combination of the best of local content, together with international content from major US studios, as well as live English Premier League football, all using some of the world’s best technology.
CMS Partner and Head of Broadcasting, Selina Potter said: “We are delighted to have advised NBCUniversal and Sky on their new partnership with MultiChoice which will help to relaunch the Showmax service, opening up a whole new world of content and technology for its streaming subscribers.”
The CMS team was led by Selina Potter, supported by Sam Oustayiannis, Laurel O’Dell, Georgia Clark, Ben McLaughlin, Sarah Hopton, Khiloni Jobanputra and Michelle Glading (Tech & Media, London).
