France: Banijay close to buying “The Voice” and “Black Mirror,” producer for $2.2B

Banijay, founded by French businessman Stephane Courbit, is controlled by his holding company Lov Group and DeA Communications, a company owned by Italy’s De Agostini. French media conglomerate Vivendi also owns a minority stake. 

French media company Banijay is close to sealing a deal to acquire Endemol Shine, the production house behind such global television hits as “The Voice” and “Black Mirror,” Variety reported. 

The deal would end a months-long, bumpy race for Endemol Shine to find a buyer. The combined group with Banijay, which produces “The Temptation Island,” would generate close to €3 billion (US$3.3 billion) in annual revenue, beating British rival ITV.

A source with knowledge of the situation told Variety that the purchase price of the proposed Banijay deal will be in the region of €2 billion (US$2.2 billion). The source said Vivendi’s backing has been key to moving a deal forward. Another industry sources said that, out of the €2 billion, €1.75 billion (US$1.9 billion) would cover Endemol Shine’s debt, meaning that Banijay would be acquiring Endemol Shine’s catalogue and production companies for something in the range of €250 million (US$278.3 million).

The business drew interest from several bidders at the time though the pool of suitors eventually shrank, with European broadcaster RTL Group walking away in August of last year.

Banijay, founded by French businessman Stephane Courbit, is controlled by his holding company Lov Group and DeA Communications, a company owned by Italy’s De Agostini. French media conglomerate Vivendi also owns a minority stake. 

Full Content: Variety

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