Global production and distribution group Banijay is to acquire Australia-based Beyond International Limited.
The deal is Banijay’s largest since it acquired Endemol Shine Group in 2020. Beyond’s distribution arm, Beyond Rights, sells over 8,000 hours of IP from third-party producers and in-house producers, including Highway Thru Hell, Heavy Rescue: 401, Massive Engineering Mistakes, Halifax: Retribution, MythBusters and Deadly Women. Its catalogue adds to Banijay’s existing catalogue of over 130,000 hours.
Beyond Productions’ latest titles include recently announced Back in the Groove, a new dating series for Hulu, produced in partnership with Walt Disney Television Alternative; multi-territory franchise, Love It or List It Australia; and the eight-part scripted series Troppo (co-produced with EQ Media) screening on Freevee USA and ABC Australia.
Beyond International’s managing director and CEO, Mikael Borglund, remains in his current role.
Read more FAST channels thrive as viewers look for ‘lean back’ viewing
Beyond has been listed on the Australian Securities Exchange since 1987, but once the acquisition is completed it will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Banijay and its shares will cease to be publicly traded.
Marco Bassetti, CEO, Banijay said: “As content demand continues to soar, catalogue remains key, and in acquiring Beyond, we would take our offering up considerably. Primarily bolstering our IP and production portfolio in the English-language and factual space, with Beyond’s complementary content, the deal can enhance our position as a leading go-to for clients and commercial partners alike.”
Borglund said: “The Beyond Board is very much supportive of the deal, which will see us join Banijay’s group, bolstering its standing in what is an increasingly competitive market. Joining a leading global business like this is a very exciting opportunity for us and we look forward to collaborating on newfound opportunities ahead.”
Banijay is home to over 120 production companies across 22 territories, which makes shows such as Survivor, Big Brother, Starstruck, Peaky Blinders and MasterChef.
Watch more FAST channels: Transitioning linear and VOD and introducing the simplicity of FAST
No comments yet