Stay informed of free updates
Just register at Media Myft Digest – Delivered directly in your reception box.
The French media giant Banijay Group works on plans for a buyout offer for ITV Or his studio arm to bring together two of the largest television production groups in Europe, according to two people familiar with the situation.
Banijay Had early discussions with the British media group, said the people, whose ARM studio aroused the interest of the range of investment groups such as Redbird IMI, which has its Rival All3media, as well as investment capital funds.
ITV's action has increased in tenth this year given The conversation on a potential case for his studio armHighlighting the group to just over 3 billion pounds sterling. Analysts say that the studios branch could be worth it, however, fix little value on a broadcasting company which includes a linear and streaming service in the United Kingdom.
The options that have been explored by Banijay include an offer for ITV studio activity or the complete takeover of ITV. The latter would be likely to mean that Banijay would seek to call on third -party investors, according to a person close to the situation.
ITV discussions are at a very early stage, without guarantee that they will take an agreement for the media group or its studio business, said a person familiar with the situation.
The combination of the Banijay and ITV studios would have a strategic meaning given their forces in the scripted and uncripted television production, with the two programs for the great broadcasters and the American streamers. The combination would offer negotiation power since many streamers and broadcasters seek to reduce expenses.
ITV makes shows such as Love island – which he also broadcasts in the United Kingdom – and Rivals For Disney, while Banijay produces successful programs such as Peaky Blinders And Big brother.
Banijay Entertainment, the French Production and Distribution Company, belongs to Banijay Group, based and listed in Amsterdam. The Banijay group, controlled by French entrepreneur Stéphane Courbit, also makes a large number of non -English -speaking titles, such as Like water for chocolate for the maximum HBO, and Supersex,, The life you wanted And Law in accordance with Lidia Poët For Netflix in Italy.
ITV held separate and early talks with Redbird IMI, the investment group supported by Abu Dhabi who acquired the United Kingdom Rival All3media last year. Itv himself also explored various combinations for rival companies, including a potential offer for All3Media last year.
Liberty Global, the largest shareholder in ITV with approximately a tenth of its actions, supports management by examining the options for the company, according to people familiar with the situation.
Banijay and ITV refused to comment.
