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NBC Universal Completes Acquisition Of Oxygen Media
Bravo Media President Lauren Zalaznick Adds Oversight Of Oxygen to her Portfolio
Oxygen Co-founder Lisa Gersh to Stay on Through Transition Before Assuming New
Leadership Role at NBC Universal
NEW YORK - November 20, 2007 - NBC Universal has completed its acquisition of
Oxygen Media, one of the nation's leading female-focused cable television
networks. The transaction is valued at approximately
$875 million net of financial assets. Today's announcement was made by Jeff
Zucker, President and CEO, NBC Universal.
The acquisition by NBC Universal is part of the company's strategy to transform
its portfolio and focus on assets with potential for rapid growth. Oxygen will
become part of the NBC Universal Cable group, led by Jeff Gaspin, President and
Chief Operating Officer, Universal Television Group. Oxygen strengthens NBC
Universal's position of leadership in upscale, female-focused media. Its
audience complements the viewers of Bravo and the Today show and visitors to
iVillage, the leading online site for women. These assets across multiple
platforms give NBCU an even more attractive go-to-market position in the
fast-growing women's entertainment and lifestyle market.
Zucker said: "We are thrilled to add Oxygen Media to our roster of high-growth
cable networks. Geraldine Laybourne and her team have built an exciting and
dynamic brand with a great deal of potential, both domestically and
internationally. We look forward to having Oxygen play a key role in the ongoing
growth of our cable entertainment business."
Lauren Zalaznick, President of Bravo Media, has been appointed by Gaspin to
oversee Oxygen Media, adding the network to her current responsibilities for
Bravo Media. She will continue to report to Gaspin.
Additionally, she will continue her service as Chair of NBC Universal's Green
Council.
"We believe we can bring great value to the Oxygen brand, with our
cross-promotion opportunities, programming expertise and distribution team,"
said Gaspin. "Lauren has had tremendous success growing Bravo and we know, with
her talent and passion, she will do the same with Oxygen."
Under Zalaznick's watch, Bravo has achieved record ratings and critical acclaim
and recently completed the highest-rated quarter in its history among adults
18-49 and total viewers. The most affluent basic cable entertainment network,
Bravo has also become a leader in providing original content for wireless and
interactive platforms. Zalaznick oversaw the launch of Bravo's suite of digital
and broadband services, including BravoTV.com, OutZoneTV.com, and the recently
acquired TelevisionWithoutPity.com. During her tenure, the channel has received
23 Emmy nominations, winning four Emmy Awards in 2007. This year, Bravo has also
been nominated for awards recognizing Environmentalism, Diversity, and New
Media. For a complete bio of Zalaznick, log on to nbcumv.com.
"I'm very proud of what we've built at Oxygen," said Laybourne. "As I leave the
company, I am delighted to pass the torch to Lauren, a seasoned executive with a
proven track record."
Lisa Gersh, President and Chief Operating Officer of Oxygen Media, will remain
in this role through a three-month transition period before assuming a new
position at NBC Universal. A co-founder of Oxygen, Gersh was integral in driving
the channel's dynamic ad sales growth and distribution to more than 74 million
subscribers since its launch in 2000.
"Lisa is one of the main reasons Oxygen has become such a valuable brand within
the cable marketplace," said Zucker. "She will be a tremendous asset as we
integrate Oxygen into the NBC Universal family and we're delighted that an
executive of her caliber and experience will be staying on with us in a new
role."
Oxygen joins NBC Universal's fully-owned cable entertainment networks, which
include USA Network, the most-watched basic cable network in every key
demographic; Bravo, the most upscale basic cable network, which just completed
the best third quarter in its history; and SCI FI, the sixth-ranked basic cable
entertainment network. Along with CNBC and MSNBC, NBC Universal's cable
entertainment networks account for 50% of the company's profits and are
experiencing double-digit year-over-year growth.
The transaction will be accretive to earnings after the first full year, and is
valued at an attractive price per subscriber of less than $12.
NBC Universal expects revenue and cost synergies of approximately $35 million in
2008.
About NBC Universal:
NBC Universal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in
the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and
information to a global audience. Formed in May 2004 through the combining of
NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment, NBC Universal owns and operates a
valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture
company, significant television production operations, a leading television
stations group, and world-renowned theme parks. NBC Universal is 80% owned by
General Electric and 20% owned by Vivendi.
About Oxygen Media:
Oxygen is currently available in over 74 million homes. The network was launched
in 2000 to fill a void in the television landscape -- creating a network
targeted to younger women. Oxygen is rewriting the rulebook for women's
television, with vast array of unconventional and original programming including
The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency, The Bad Girls Club, Tori & Dean: Inn Love
and Campus Ladies. Geraldine Laybourne, the network's founder, has led the
company to be a strong advocate for women. Through programs like The Mentor's
Walk, Oxygen's national program for bringing along the next generation, and "Who
Cares About Girls," Oxygen's new documentary series -- Oxygen is creating The
New Girls Network.
Media Contacts:
Cory Shields, NBC Universal -
212-664-6999, Cory.shields@nbcuni.com
Kassie Canter, Oxygen Media -
212-651-2013, kcanter@oxygen.com
Joe Libonati, Universal Television Group -
818-840-3050, Joe.libonati@nbcuni.com
Cameron Blanchard, Bravo Media -
212-664-7202,
Cameron.blanchard@nbcuni.com
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