Discovery completes the purchase of Eurosport

Discovery Communications has paid the French group TF1 491 million euros to take control of the leader of sports channels in Europe and Asia.

Discovery Communications has completed the acquisition of Eurosport, the leader in sports channels in Europe and Asia, from the French group TF1 for 491 million Euros.

David Zaslav, president and CEO of Discovery Communications, said the company is excited "to expand and deepen our investment in Eurosport as we continue to strengthen our new global brand with relevant local sports rights that generate value for fans, advertisers and distributors. We started our investment in Eurosport with 20% in 2012 which we increased to 51% more than half a year ago. Taking full control of Eurosport is the culmination of our commitment to strengthen Eurosport as a brand leader in sports and fully integrate this business into Discovery's unrivaled global portfolio. I would like to thank TF1 for having been exceptional partners over the years.”

Since May, Discovery and Eurosport have acquired more than 7,000 hours of sporting event coverage, with more than 3,000 of them live. From the UEFA Champions League, the Europa League, or the Bundesliga, to cycling in Spain or the Moto GP in Germany, Holland and Belgium, these new rights reinforce the different Eurosport channels and bring the most exciting sporting events closer to fans in any region, taking into account their local interests.

In June, Discovery and Eurosport acquired the broadcast rights to the Olympic Games for the period 2018-2024. This agreement will allow European sports fans access to games on more platforms and screens than ever, further strengthening the group's position as the undisputed leader in the television broadcasting of sporting events.