AsiaSat acquires content distribution specialist Lightning

Hong Kong-based satellite operator AsiaSat has acquired 100% control of Lightning International, a content distribution and media solutions company based in the UK and Hong Kong.

AsiaSat said the acquisition of Lightning was a strategic move to expand the company’s services and extend its clients’ reach to global audiences through traditional and new distribution platforms including OTT and FAST.

Roger Tong

With over 12 years of distributing TV channels and programme content to worldwide audiences via TV stations, pay TV operators and streaming platforms, Lightning represents producers, channels and other media businesses from Europe, Asia and around the world, and provides advice on a range of content and media solutions. AsiaSat said that combining Lightning’s expertise in content distribution with its own satellite and IP-based distribution capabilities would enable both companies to deliver customised solutions including content aggregation and playout, channel distribution and affiliate management.

“I am excited to announce this investment in Lightning in order to strengthen AsiaSat’s capabilities in channel distribution and provide customers with end-to-end B2B and B2C media solutions. We welcome the experienced and talented team from Lightning joining us and integrating their expertise and business connections as part of our transformation efforts,” said Roger Tong, CEO of AsiaSat.

“We are thrilled to join forces with AsiaSat and bring our experience in TV content distribution and solutions into the company. We believe our combined strengths will enable us to grow stronger together, through the synergies between us,” said James Ross, founder and CEO of Lightning.