Saban ramping up Asian investments

Saban Capital Group, the media investment firm operated by Haim Saban, is eyeing a raft of new investments in Asia after setting up an office in Hong Kong.

The company already owns stakes in Celestial Tiger Entertainment, the joint venture pay TV broadcaster and producer with Lionsgate and Astro, Chinese kids online entertainment firm Taomee and Indonesian media company Media Nusantara Citra.

However, it is relocating Sumeet Jaisinghani to Hong Kong from Los Angeles to expand its activities in the region.

Saban owns stakes in brands including successful kids franchise Power Rangers and retail brand Paul Frank Industries and Saban Brands president Elie Dekel has said that it is looking to acquire more brands with its US$500 investment fund.

Haim Saban, chairman and chief executive officer of Saban Capital Group, said: “Asia is home to some of the world’s most innovative and creative entrepreneurs in media and communications.  We are excited about expanding our investment franchise into Asia and the opening of Saban Capital Group Asia’s office in Hong Kong is a strong sign of our commitment to the region.”