Mumbai: Jetix Europe N.V. has signed an agreement with an affiliate of its majority shareholder, The Walt Disney Company Ltd, for the distribution of its channels and digital content across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

The move, which will come into effect as of 1 July 2008, will mean that the distribution of Jetix channels in the region will now be serviced by Disney-ABC International Television’s newly integrated TV distribution business.

Disney-ABC International Television (DAIT) already services program sales for Jetix content to free-to-air broadcasters globally. The new deal will strengthen this partnership, which currently represents the leading Disney-branded kids’ channels, Disney Channel, Disney Cinemagic, Playhouse Disney, Toon Disney, as well as the highly successful sports services ESPN Classic and NASN.

DAIT’s responsibilities will span all platforms including cable and satellite as well as digital services such as IPTV and PPV.

Jetix Europe chief executive Paul Taylor said, "The new deal with DAIT will allow us to benefit from Disney’s strong market presence in all of our key territories. Channel distribution is a key revenue stream for us and I am confident that being part of this first class integrated distribution operation will deliver significant benefits over the medium to long term."

Disney-ABC International Television EMEA & Canada executive vice president & managing director Tom Toumazis added, "This agreement completes the EMEA integration of our Channel and Program distribution assets and teams, to better serve our international clients and deliver value for our Company, adding Jetix channels to the unique brand strength of Disney and ESPN channels."