Tapping international capital markets the way forward for aggressive operator
One of the mainland's most aggressive television operators, China Hunan Satellite Television, is considering spinning off part of its business for a Hong Kong listing.
'As our company grows, it is a natural step for us to seek an overseas listing to tap into international capital markets,' Hunan TV controller Ouyang Changlin said.
'This is part of the opening up of China's television industry and the central government is very supportive,' he added.
Businesses that could be considered for a listing included television programme production, a cable-television network, a cartoon channel, as well as advertising and distribution, Mr Ouyang said. It could also include assets from the parent company, Hunan Radio Film and Television Group.
Hunan TV's advertising agency business - Hunan TV & Broadcast Intermediary - is listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, but such assets could also be included in a Hong Kong entity through corporate restructuring, Mr Ouyang said.
Hunan TV is also in talks with several foreign parties, including Tom Group and Tom Online, about partnerships to improve its business, such as expanding its cartoon channel through technology co-operation.
