Al Jazeera sports arm acquires Turkey's pay-tv platform Digitürk

An affiliate of Qatari-based television network Al Jazeera has acquired Turkish pay-tv platform and satellite network Digitürk, a statement from the companies said late on July 13.

In March three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters that BeIN Media Group, which runs the beIN sports network of channels operating in Asia, Europe and the United States, was in advanced talks to buy the Turkish network.

No sale amount was given for the deal.

Digitürk, which has broadcasting rights for Turkey?s top soccer league until the end of the 2016-2017 season, is 53 percent owned by Turkey?s Çukurova Holding and 47 percent owned by U.S. private equity group Providence Equity Partners. 

The Digitürk stakes of Çukurova, the cash-strapped company controlled by Turkish businessman Mehmet Emin Karamehmet, was seized in 2013 by Turkey?s Savings Deposit Insurance Fund (TMSF) because of the company?s debts to the state agency.