Bell Media buying majority stake in global distributer Sphere Abacus

Bell Media announced Wednesday it is strengthening its existing partnership with Montreal-based Sphere Media by acquiring a majority stake in global content distributor Sphere Abacus, through its parent company Sphere Media International. Bell Media currently owns a minority stake in content producer Sphere Media. The acquisition of Sphere Abacus “serves as a launchpad for Bell Media’s content distribution expansion, combining the strength of the two companies to accelerate growth and capitalize on new opportunities,” says a Bell Media press release announcing the transaction, which is expected to close in the coming weeks. As part of the acquisition, UK-based Sphere Abacus becomes the...