Banijay and All3Media Consider Joining Forces in Production Collaboration
Banijay Group and RedBird IMI Explore Merger of Production Businesses
Banijay Group and RedBird IMI are reportedly in negotiations to merge their production operations, potentially creating one of the largest production entities in the world. This development, confirmed by sources to Reuters, involves combining Banijay Entertainment and Banijay Live, overseen by Marco Bassetti, with All3Media.
If finalized, the merger would significantly impact the global television production landscape, amassing an impressive library of titles, including popular shows like Big Brother, MasterChef, The Traitors, Midsomer Murders, Race Across the World, and Peaky Blinders. Such a move would mark a significant shift in the television industry, comparable to Banijay’s acquisition of Endemol Shine Group in 2021.
Sources indicated that, while discussions are ongoing, no agreement has been reached. Should the merger succeed, the combined entity could generate revenues approaching €6 billion ($7 billion), based on the latest financial reports. According to one anonymous source, All3Media and RedBird IMI would contribute capital to the new organization.
Banijay and All3Media declined to comment on the negotiations, and RedBird IMI has not responded to requests for information. Notably, Banijay, led by Stéphane Courbit and supported by Vivendi, has been linked to All3Media previously. In 2023, Banijay made a binding offer to acquire All3Media from previous owners Warner Bros. Discovery and Liberty Global. Ultimately, RedBird IMI secured the business for £1.15 billion ($1.55 billion).
Discussions reportedly commenced late last year after Banijay withdrew from bidding for ITV Studios, the production branch of UK broadcaster ITV. A source close to the negotiations mentioned that the talks are now advanced.
Additionally, All3Media and RedBird IMI have previously considered merging with ITV Studios as part of a broader trend of consolidation in the international television sector. The rise of major streaming platforms has increased competition, prompting production executives to seek economies of scale.
Banijay, headquartered in France, consists of both the Banijay Entertainment and Banijay Live divisions, along with Betclip, its betting arm. The group boasts a substantial library with over 207,000 hours of content, featuring more than 130 production companies, including many under the Banijay and Endemol Shine brands.
All3Media, based in London, operates numerous production companies, including IDTV, Studio Lambert, and All3Media America, among others.
