In December, last year, the mouse house had couched out its arrangement to buy a 49 per cent stake in the joint venture wherein Disney would supply cash and programming along with expertise in content acquisition and marketing to kids and families.

Apart from showcasing popular Disney shows like Hannah Montana and Wizards of Waverly Place dubbed in Russian, the channel would also be anchored by original Russian programming.

The deal would also help the kids’ entertainment channel to broaden its audience base besides lending support to its local retail, theatrical distribution, licensing, mobile and internet businesses that already function in Russia.

Back then, post announcement, the deal was waiting to receive regulatory approval from Russia, which requires foreign investors to have Russian partners.