MUMBAI: Scripps Networks Interactive is acquiring Travel Channel International (TCI), an independent company headquartered in the United Kingdom, for ?65 million as part of its plans to expand its lifestyle portfolio to Asia and Europe.

The company, which has a clutch of channels in the food, travel and lifestyle genres, is eyeing India entry ever since its deal with NDTV collapsed in May 2010. Scripps had agreed to buy 69 per cent of NDTV Lifestyle Ltd for $55 million.

Scripps expects to complete the transaction with Travel Channel in the second quarter of 2012, subject to regulatory approvals.

?We are looking forward to integrating Travel Channel International into Scripps Networks Interactive?s portfolio of popular lifestyle networks,? said Scripps Networks Interactive chairman, president and chief executive officer Kenneth W. Lowe.

?TCI brings unique value to us as we establish our brands in the global media marketplace. We?re enthusiastic about sharing our lifestyle programming expertise internationally, engaging a new set of passionate media consumers overseas, and increasing our footprint in Europe and Asia, building on the solid foundation we?ve established for the continued international growth of our brands.?

Formed in 2004, TCI has affiliate agreements with approximately 850 distributors. The company?s 46 full-time employees in London will join Scripps Networks Interactive at the completion of the transaction.

TCI distributes the Travel Channel brand in 20 languages across Europe, Africa, Middle East and Asia Pacific regions besides producing and commissioning original travel programming for distribution in 91 countries.

?Scripps Networks Interactive is the natural home for Travel Channel International,? said Richard Wolfe, chief executive of TCI. ?Combining TCI?s reach and resources in our territories with those of SNI?s U.S. Travel Channel creates a new worldwide brand with powerful synergies in programming and advertising.?

MUMBAI: In a major setback for former IPL chairman Lalit Modi, a London court has declared him bankrupt over unpaid bills of 65,000 pounds (approximately Rs. 5.3 million) owed to private security firm, Page Group, through an order it passed last month.

The international securities and risk assessment company has claimed that Modi owes fees for security services it provided to him and his family in 2010.

Stuart Page, the company?s chairman, said: "It?s unfortunate that we have come to this situation but Modi has given us no other option. We gave Modi a number of security services in relation to threats made against him and his family. We submitted a number of invoices which were not paid. Our attempts to reach a settlement with Modi were to no avail and we were forced to take the action we have taken."

Modi in his defence said, "Until the order was served, I was completely unaware of any outstanding monies. I have not seen any previous demands but since it came to my attention, I?ve even offered to lodge the sum being claimed with the court pending clarity. But for some reason, that was refused, by the company concerned."

The former IPL chairman, though, feels that it is an attempt to gain cheap publicity by the securities firm. "It is a ridiculous waste of everyone?s time and I can only assume it is being done in an attempt to gain some sort of publicity at my expense. Any suggestion that this order means I am unable to pay is equally ridiculous," Modi said.

A hearing will be held in London shortly when Modi will attempt to have the order set aside.

MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Television has expanded its UK footprint by picking up majority stake in independent production company Silver River Productions.

Headed by Daisy Goodwin, Silver River Productions is SPT?s third UK production venture, joining Gogglebox Entertainment and Victory Television.

Under the deal, SPT will take over worldwide sales of Silver River?s catalogue from FremantleMedia.

Founded by Goodwin in 2005, Silver River?s previous productions include Pulling, Supersizers, Grow Your Own Drugs, Inside Gatwick, Kevin McCloud?s Grand Tour and Off By Heart.

Goodwin will continue to lead Silver River as president from its existing London office, and now reports to Andrea Wong, SPT?s president of international production.

The Current Silver River slate of primetime programmes includes Off By Heart Shakespeare (BBC2), Sergeant On Spike (ITV1), Hidden Talent (Channel 4), Elizabeth Taylor ? The Queen of Diamonds (Channel 4) and Restoration Women (BBC4).

Announcing the deal, SPT?s president of international production Andrea Wong said, "I?ve known and admired Daisy for several years and I?m so happy to now have the chance to work closely with her and with her team. Their proven ambition and achievements are the perfect fit for our production network, where creativity and talent are the essential drivers in everything we do."

Daisy Goodwin said, "Sony has a really alluring mix of great shows and real ambition. I know that working with Andrea and her team we will be bringing Silver River?s distinctive blend of originality and entertainment to the widest possible audience, and I am looking forward to bringing their best properties to the UK market."

At MIP TV in Cannes next month, SPT will launch Silver River programmes and formats such as Elizabeth Taylor ? The Queen of Diamonds and Say No to the Knife.

SPT?s other UK interests include a portfolio of seven television channels, an advertising sales joint venture (Dolphin TV) and distribution deals with UK broadcasters and video on demand platforms.