08 January 2013
Dubai - DLA Piper, the global law firm, has advised Al Jazeera on its acquisition of Current TV, the cable television network founded by former US Vice President Al Gore. The Qatar-owned broadcaster plans to replace Current with a new Al Jazeera news channel based in New York, a move which doubles its US-based staff.

The acquisition is a key step in the expansion of Al Jazeera in the US which represents an important market in terms of audience numbers and where Current is available in around 40 million homes. 

"This is a landmark deal for Al Jazeera and one that demonstrates DLA Piper's capabilities on a global scale, advising Al Jazeera from our Middle East and New York offices," commented Paul Allen, Head of Intellectual Property and Technology for DLA Piper Middle East.

"Al Jazeera's acquisition is a major step forward in the broadcaster's global expansion, and we look forward to continuing to develop our relationship with the channel on an international level as it progresses in scaling up its presence in international markets," added Ken Dearsley, Senior Counsel,  Middle East Intellectual Property and Technology Group.

For further information: Karen Morrison, DLA Piper Marketing Manager, Communications, Middle East, +971 4438 6278 or email karen.morrison@dlapiper.com

Laetitia Guidicelli, DLA Piper Marketing & Communication Co-ordinator, Middle East, +971 4363 6275 or email laetitia.guidicelli@dlapiper.com

DLA Piper is a global law firm with 4200 lawyers located in more than 30 countries throughout the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East, positioning it to help companies with their legal needs anywhere in the world.

For further information about our organisation and services, please visit our website: www.dlapiper.com/middleeast

© Press Release 2013