BBC Studios is taking full ownership of streaming service BritBox International, acquiring ITV’s 50% share for £255m.
Launched by BBC Studios and ITV in 2017, BritBox International offers British content in eight countries - the USA, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. Shows on the platform include Archie, Death in Paradise, Father Brown, Line of Duty, Sherwood and Shetland. The service has grown subscribers by over 300% in the past four years, surpassing 3.75 million.
BritBox International CEO Reemah Sakaan is stepping down as part of the deal. Sakaan has been part of the company since its inception, and for the past three years as CEO.
BBC Studios said new leadership plans are in place to ensure a smooth transition and will be announced imminently.
BritBox International will become part of BBC Studios’ Global Media and Streaming division, whose portfolio includes BBC.com, BBC Select, the BBC’s documentary streaming service in North America and BBC Podcast Premium, an audio service available in more than 160 countries.
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As part of the transaction, BBC Studios has extended its licensing agreements with ITV so that its content will appear on the platform.
BritBox International UK continues to be fully owned by ITV and operated separately to BritBox International.
Tom Fussell, BBC Studios CEO, said: “This is an important acquisition for us. We are taking full ownership of a successful, growing service we know well and that fits with our stated ambition to double the size of our business. Britbox International has British content at its heart and it generates and satisfies demand for British shows outside the UK. We will continue to make significant investments in the future to deliver long-term value to the BBC.”
Carolyn McCall, ITV CEO, added: “The sale of 50% of BritBox International means ITV is focused on its core strategic goals of continuing to build on ITVX’s success and growing ITV Studios.”
Rebecca Glashow, BBC Studios Global Media & Streaming CEO, said: “I am thrilled to further our involvement in BritBox International – it’s a profitable business and a winning proposition. We see tremendous opportunity to grow this unique service and take it to even greater heights for its subscribers, with the full power of the BBC behind it.”
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