Technology Jul. 30, 2009 - 01:17PM JST ( 3 )

TOKYO —

Jupiter Telecommunications Co announced Thursday that it will acquire 25,384 outstanding shares of J Sports Broadcasting (JSB), currently J:COM’s equity method affiliate. JSB will become J:COM’s consolidated subsidiary effective as of Oct 1.

J:COM has invested in and operated channel operators supplying various thematic channels that can be viewed through cable television, satellite and IPTV. Each of the channels are representative channels in genres of movies, dramas, documentaries, and sports.

JSB is the largest sports thematic channel in terms of subscribers in Japan, and is currently J:COM’s equity method affiliate in which we indirectly hold 33.4% of its outstanding shares. JSB provides programs to a number of platforms including cable television, satellite and IPTV and its subscription revenue is the largest in the thematic channel industry. Through operation of 4 channels comprised of J sports ESPN, J sports 1, J sports 2, and J sports Plus, JSB provides programs including live broadcasts of domestic and international soccer (Premier League and J League), Major League Baseball, and Japanese professional baseball.

In total, these live broadcasts amount to more than 4,000 hours per year, some of which are exclusively broadcast live by JSB. JSB subscribers, through platforms such as cable television, satellite and IPTV, reached 7,645,000 as of March 31, 2009.

By integrating JSB as a consolidated subsidiary, Jupiter said it will use all of its resources, including our broad customer base, to promote production and planning of programs that are appealing to viewers.