Rose Media & Entertainment to list on SET

The company's registered capital will rise to Bt260 million after the listing.

Vice president Jirath Pavaravadhana yesterday said the company would invest in the purchase of animation cartoon copyrights from both Asian and Western content owners.

Rose plans to buy more than 100 animated-cartoon licences this year, double last year's level. However, Jirath did not reveal the budget involved. Rose Media & Entertainment was renamed from Rose Video in 2006 to reflect the company's business diversification policy.

The company shifted to focus more on animated content instead of movies two years ago after it realised that cartoons could generate higher profits.

The company will also spend on organising roadshows and below-the-line marketing activities to promote its business and change consumers' corporate perception of Rose from a video company to a media firm.

"This year will be the year of changes for us," Jirath said. "We will list the company and open a new flagship store. Moreover, we will organise many activities to promote animated cartoons."

From now on, Jirath said animated cartoons would be the new flagship business for the company. Rose Media & Entertainment is the leader of animated cartoons and it must expand the business to maintain its No-1 position.

The business strategy includes the expansion of its content into new media channels such as satellite television and broadband TV channels. The company will also create products related to animated cartoons such as shirts, toys and gifts, which are expected to generate additional revenue, Jirath said.

Jirath added that the proportion of revenue generated from animated business was 60 per cent, while income from movies - the former flagship product - has declined from 60 per cent to 30 per cent. Other revenue is from music and a variety of content businesses.

Nalin Viboonchart

The Nation