Universal Networks International has come on board Haven, joining E1 Entertainment as a co-partner on the suspense series from Stephen King.

The deal, announced Tuesday from MIPCOM, will see the global channels division of NBC Universal co-finance the production and acquire exclusive pay TV broadcast rights for the world, excluding Canada, the U.S., and Scandinavia.

The news follows word last week of the collaboration between the king of horror and E1, which will produce the 13×60 series and handle worldwide distribution rights. Production is scheduled for early next year, with an airdate set for fall 2010.

‘We are very excited to be working with world class talent such as Stephen King on Haven in our first major content partnership with E1 Entertainment. This tremendous project signals our investment in more top quality content for our newly revitalized channel portfolio,’ commented former Canadian TV exec Roma Khanna, who now heads up Universal Networks International.

The series follows an FBI agent who tries to keep supernatural forces at bay as she slowly untangles the mysteries of the cursed Maine town of Haven. Executive producers are Lloyd Segan, Shawn Piller, and showrunner Scott Shepherd – who are also the team behind TV series The Dead Zone. E1’s John Morayniss and Noreen Halpern will co-exec produce.

The pilot for Haven is scripted by the team of Sam Ernst and Jim Dunn (Shrek the Third, The Dead Zone).