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
Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.
Featured News
UK Probes Lindab’s Acquisition of HAS-Vent Amid Fears of Market Monopoly
Apr 28, 2024 by
CPI
Shein Faces EU Regulations Over User Data
Apr 28, 2024 by
CPI
Google Fights Back Against US Antitrust Lawsuit
Apr 28, 2024 by
CPI
US Homeland Security Establishes Blue-Ribbon Board with Tech CEOs to Advise on AI
Apr 28, 2024 by
CPI
FTC Accuses Amazon Executives of Using Disappearing Messaging Apps to Conceal Evidence
Apr 28, 2024 by
CPI
Antitrust Mix by CPI
Antitrust Chronicle® – Economics of Criminal Antitrust
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
Navigating Economic Expert Work in Criminal Antitrust Litigation
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
The Increased Importance of Economics in Cartel Cases
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
A Law and Economics Analysis of the Antitrust Treatment of Physician Collective Price Agreements
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI
Information Exchange In Criminal Antitrust Cases: How Economic Testimony Can Tip The Scales
Apr 19, 2024 by
CPI