Entertainment One acquires Paperny Entertainment 

July 18, 2014 — Fusion DigiNet

eoneEntertainment One Ltd has agreed to acquire the Paperny Entertainment group of companies, an independent television producer operating across Canada and the United States, from the Paperny Sellers.

Paperny comprises:  Paperny Entertainment Inc. and Altamont Holdings Ltd.

The Paperny Sellers comprise:  David Paperny, Audrey Mehler, Cal Shumiatcher, Completion Investments Inc., Playtime Investments Ltd., 0865631 B.C. Ltd. and CS Family Trust.

Based in Vancouver, with operations in Toronto and New York, Paperny specialises in the development and production of non-scripted television programming, including a range of character-driven documentaries, reality shows and comedies.   Its roster of recent and returning programming includes: Chow Masters (Travel Channel (US)), Cold Water Cowboys (Discovery Channel (Canada)), Chopped Canada (Food Network (Canada)), and Yukon Gold (History Channel (Canada)).

papernyPaperny is being acquired for a total consideration of approximately C$29.2 million, satisfied by the issue of 2,571,803 common shares in Entertainment One Ltd. (the “Consideration Shares”) and approximately C$14.5 million in cash.

In the year to 31 December 2013, Paperny generated unaudited revenue of C$17.6 million and unaudited net income before income taxes of C$5.1 million.  As at 31 December 2013, Paperny had unaudited gross assets of C$20.3 million.

Paperny is led by David Paperny (Founder and President), Audrey Mehler (Founder and Executive Vice President), and Cal Shumiatcher (Executive Vice President).  Following completion, these three will remain with the business on new long term employment contracts.

It is expected that completion will take place on or around 31 July 2014.  In completing the acquisition of Paperny, in respect of the Consideration Shares, application will be made to the UK Listing Authority and the London Stock Exchange for 2,571,803 common shares in Entertainment One Ltd. to be admitted to the Official List and to trading on the London Stock Exchange.  The shares shall rank pari passu with the existing common shares of the Company.

Darren Throop, Chief Executive Officer, commented: 

“We are delighted that the Paperny team is joining eOne.  Under the leadership of David, Audrey and Cal, Paperny has grown significantly and has developed an excellent reputation for producing high quality, non-scripted television content.  As part of our enlarged TV business, we look forward to continuing that development and realising further international distribution opportunities across the eOne Group.”

UK, London & Canada, Vancouver

Posted in Broadcasting, Content Media, ~Europe, ~North America. Tags: , , , . Leave a Comment »

Independent Media Trust completes acquisition of control of Network18

July 9, 2014 — Fusion DigiNet
Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) has announced that Independent Media Trust (IMT) of which RIL is the sole beneficiary, has completed the acquisition of control of Network 18 Media and Investments Limited (NW18) including its subsidiary TV18 Broadcast Limited (TV18).
Apart from nominees of IMT, Shri Deepak S Parekh and Shri Adil Zainulbhai have been inducted, as Independent Directors on the board of NW18. Mr. Raghav Bahl will continue to be on the Board of NW18 as a Non-executive Director, an RIL press release said.
“With the completion of this transaction, IMT and RIL have become promoters of NW18 and TV18. The open offers to the public shareholders for acquisition of equity shares of NW18, TV18 and Infomedia Press Ltd. as announced on May 29, 2014 by IMT are in process and the Draft letter of offer has been filed with SEBI for its comments,”
Read the full report in the economic Times here
India, Mumbai
Posted in Broadcasting, Content Media, ~Asia. Tags: , . Leave a Comment »

Vubiquity acquires UK-based FilmFlex Movies

May 29, 2014 — Fusion DigiNet

VUBIQUITY LOGOVubiquity, a US based provider of multiplatform video services, has acquired UK-based FilmFlex Movies Ltd., one of the largest VOD and multiplatform providers outside the United States.

filmflexFilmFlex, formerly a joint venture between Sony Pictures Television and The Walt Disney Company Limited, offers a customisable digital video storefront, already used by service providers and brands such as Virgin Media, TalkTalk, Film4 and EE. The company has licensing agreements with major US studios and many independent distributors.

“Vubiquity remains focused on expanding the breadth of our managed services and technical solutions that today support content and service providers worldwide,” said Darcy Antonellis, CEO of Vubiquity. “With FilmFlex we add additional studio assets and licensing, and gain important front-end technology to enable EST and other monetization models for multiplatform video consumption.”

USA, Sherman Oaks, CA & UK, London

Posted in Broadcasting, Content Media, e-Commerce, ~Europe, ~North America. Tags: , , , . Leave a Comment »

Apple to acquire Beats Music & Beats Electronics

May 28, 2014 — Fusion DigiNet

Apple_Beats_1Apple is acquiring subscription streaming music service Beats Music, and Beats Electronics, which makes the popular Beats headphones, speakers and audio software. As part of the acquisition, Beats co-founders Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre will join Apple.

Apple is acquiring the two companies for a total of $3 billion, consisting of a purchase price of approximately $2.6 billion and approximately $400 million that will vest over time. Subject to regulatory approvals, Apple expects the transaction to close in fiscal Q4.

“Music is such an important part of all of our lives and holds a special place within our hearts at Apple,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. “That’s why we have kept investing in music and are bringing together these extraordinary teams so we can continue to create the most innovative music products and services in the world.”

Formally established in 2008 as the brainchild of artist and producer Dr. Dre and Chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M Records Jimmy Iovine, Beats Electronics comprises the Beats by Dr. Dre family of premium consumer headphones, earphones, and speakers as well as patented Beats Audio software technology and streaming music subscription service Beats Music.

USA, Cupertino, CA & Santa Monica, CA

Posted in Broadcasting, Content Media, e-Commerce, Internet Media, ~North America. Tags: , , . Leave a Comment »

Discovery Communications and Liberty Global to acquire All3Media

May 8, 2014 — Fusion DigiNet

all3LogoSky News is reporting that Discovery Communications and Liberty Global are forming a joint venture to acquire All3Media, which is owned by the London-based private equity group Permira. The deal is expected to value All3Media at more than £550m. The transaction, is expected to be announced on Friday.

Fusion DigiNet previously reported that All3Media was considering a sale in April 2011.

all3media was formed in 2003 following the acquisition of Chrysalis Group’s TV division in September 2003, led by Steve Morrison, David Liddiment, Jules Burns and John Pfeil. In September 2006, Permira became all3media’s majority shareholder.

Since November 2012 All3Media has been led by Farah Ramzan Golant. Previously Farah had a 25 year career in advertising, rising through the ranks of AMV BBDO. She serves on the Board of Trustees of the National Theatre, the Prime Minister’s Business Advisory Group and the Advisory Board of the Cambridge Judge Business School.

all3media group comprises eighteen production companies, independent creators of TV and multi-platform programming from around the world. Its TV shows include Gogglebox, Midsomer Murders, Shameless and Skins.

UK, London & USA, Englewood, CO & USA, Silver Spring, MA

Related articles:

 

 

 

Posted in Broadcasting, Content Media, ~Europe, ~North America. Tags: , , , . Leave a Comment »

ITV acquires Leftfield Entertainment Group

May 7, 2014 — Fusion DigiNet

itvITV plc is to acquire a controlling interest in Leftfield Entertainment Group from its founder and CEO Brent Montgomery. This acquisition, which has already gained regulatory approval, makes ITV Studios US Group the largest unscripted independent producer in the US and will be earnings enhancing from day one. Brent Montgomery will remain CEO of Leftfield Entertainment Group under ITV’s ownership.

Leftfield is a fast growing US independent producer of reality programmes who sold its first series in 2008. Leftfield also LeftFieldowns Sirens Media and has established two joint ventures – Loud Television and Outpost Entertainment. Together these businesses produce more than 300 hours of unscripted programming for over 30 US networks. The portfolio includes Pawn Stars, Counting Cars, American Restoration and Real Housewives of New Jersey.

ITV will make an initial cash payment of $360m for 80% of Leftfield, with further potential payments dependent upon Leftfield’s continued delivery of significant profit growth.

Leftfield Entertainment was formed in 2013 when Leftfield Pictures acquired Sirens Media. The company delivered $38m of EBITDA on a proforma basis in 2013 and ITV expects it to continue to deliver strong growth at a high margin into 2014 and beyond as the benefit of its acquisition of Sirens and its new joint ventures start to come through.

There are put and call options in place to buy the remaining 20% of Leftfield, under which a call can be exercised 3 years after the initial deal and a put and call at the end of year 5. The total maximum consideration for 100% of Leftfield is $800m, including the initial payment. This would only be paid if Leftfield delivers average EBITDA of at least $130m per annum between years 3 and 5.

Adam Crozier, Chief Executive of ITV plc, said, “Leftfield is a fantastic success story, rapidly growing from a single pilot to become one of the biggest indies in the US. The team has combined creativity with strong production expertise, with over 70% of the business coming from returning series and a pipeline of new ideas coming through in 2014 and into 2015 that is really encouraging. We are delighted that Brent and the team are joining ITV in what represents a significant addition to ITV Studios as we continue to build our global content business over the long term.”

UK, London & USA, New York, NY

Related articles:

Posted in Broadcasting, Content Media, ~Europe, ~North America. Tags: , , . Leave a Comment »

APN News & Media – 2013 Full year results

February 19, 2014 — Fusion DigiNet

APN News & Media Ltd (APN), in which Independent News & Media PLC has a 28.95% shareholding, has released its results for the twelve months ending 31 December 2013. Net profit after tax before exceptional items was $59.5m, up 10% on the prior corresponding period. EBITDA from continuing operations and before exceptional items was up 8% to $162.8m, with revenue from continuing operations down $5.8m to $817.2m.

APN Chief Executive Officer, Michael Miller said: “These are APN’s best results in a number of years with Net profit after tax and EBITDA growth at their highest level since 2007 and 2005 respectively. The results reflect strong earnings growth in our radio businesses as they increased market share, a record result at Adshel, an improved second half performance from our publishing businesses as cost saving benefits start to flow through and the impact of the sale of a number of non-core businesses.”

APN’s ongoing focus on cost reductions and generating cash, as well as the contribution from a number of small asset sales, resulted in $63m in net cash inflows during the period. This cash inflow was considerably ahead of the $40m to $50m target set at the beginning of the year. Overall net debt as at 31 December 2013 was $436.9m.

APN FINANCIAL RESULT 2013

12 months to 31 December (AUD million) 2013 2012**
Revenue from continuing operations 817.2 823.0
EBITDA* 162.8 151.4
EBIT* 129.8 120.7
Net profit after tax* 59.3 49.6
Profit/loss from discontinued operations 0.3 4.7
Net profit after tax before exceptional items 59.5 54.3
Exceptional items (56.9) (561.7)
Statutory net profit/(loss) after tax 2.6 (507.4)
*From continuing operations and before exceptional items    
**2012 exceptional items and statutory net loss restated for error in relation to impairment charge

The company is not paying a final dividend for the 2013 financial year.

APN has made progress in its efforts to streamline operations and position the Company for future growth. The sale of APN Outdoor to Quadrant Private Equity for $69m and the sale of e-commerce business brandsExclusive for $2m in cash and 8% of the equity in buyer Aussie Commerce Group were completed in January and February of this year. The sale of APN’s wholly-owned New Zealand magazine titles to Bauer Media Group has received clearance from the New Zealand Commerce Commission and is expected to complete in March. During the first half of 2013, the Company sold its Wellington, Christchurch and Oamaru newspapers in line with its focus on North Island publications. APN also moved to full ownership of performance marketing business iNC Digital Media in October.

APN also announced the acquisition of the remaining 50% of Australian Radio Network and The Radio Network from its US joint venture partner Clear Channel Communications Inc. This  gives APN greater control of cash flows, which will be used to strengthen the Company’s balance sheet.

The full announcement is available here.

Ireland Dublin & UK, London

Related articles:

Posted in Broadcasting, Company Results, Content Media, Internet Media, Market Data & Information, Publishers, ~Europe, ~Oceana. Tags: , , . Leave a Comment »

ITV acquires a controlling stake in DiGa Vision

February 19, 2014 — Fusion DigiNet

itvITV plc today has acquired a controlling stake in DiGa Vision, the New York based independent producer of reality and scripted programming including Teen Wolf.

ITV will make an upfront cash payment for a 51% stake in DiGa Vision with a put and call option to buy the remainder of the company. The put and call option could be exercised from between 3 and 6 years, with the total amount paid linked to the performance of the company over that period.  The terms of the deal were not disclosed. The company said that the multiple paid is similar to the range paid on ITV’s previous acquisitions.

The acquisition follows ITV’s acquisition in the last 18 months of Gurney Productions, High Noon Entertainment and Thinkfactory Media in the US as well as UK producers The Garden and Big Talk.

UK, London &USA, New York

Related articles:

 

Posted in Broadcasting, Content Media, ~Europe, ~North America. Tags: , , . Leave a Comment »

Warner Bros. Television Group to acquire all Eyeworks’ businesses outside the US

February 11, 2014 — Fusion DigiNet

wb_logo_whiteWarner Bros. Television Group is to acquire all Eyeworks’ businesses outside the US, in 15 countries across Europe, South America, Australia and New Zealand.  Warner Bros. Eyeworks produces television programs for over 100 different channels and employs more than 1,500 people. Its titles include: Test The Nation, CQC, Who Wants to Marry my Son?, Beat The Blondes, Reality Queens of the Jungle, I Know What You Did Last Friday, Obese and Celebrity Splash.

Eyeworks USA will remain independent

Founded in The Netherlands by Oerlemans in 2001, Eyeworks is a major international independent producer and distributor of scripted and non-scripted content across a range of genres, including entertainment, drama and film, which airs in more than 150 countries worldwide.

Kevin Tsujihara, Chief Executive Officer, Warner Bros. Entertainment, said: “Our proposed acquisition of Eyeworks’ 15 local production companies, represents a significant next step in our strategy, further strengthening Warner Bros.’ position in global television.”

The acquisition follows the acquisition in 2010 of Shed Media, a production company in the UK, and in 2011, BlazHoffski inThe Netherlands and Belgium.

Reinout Oerlemans will move to Los Angeles as Chairman of Eyeworks USA; and will step down as CEO of the Eyeworks Group once the acquisition has been completed.

USA, Burbank, CA & The Netherlands, Amsterdam & UK, London

 

Posted in Broadcasting, Content Media, ~Europe, ~North America. Tags: , . Leave a Comment »

Motor Presse Stuttgart makes three acquisitions in Germany and Poland

January 23, 2014 — Fusion DigiNet

motorpresseMotor Presse Stuttgart has made three acquisitions in Germany and Poland. They are caraworld.de, a marketplace for new and used caravans and campers: a majority holding in the television company Motor Presse TV: and content-based Web site MojeAuto.pl.

“These acquisitions have the goal of accelerating the digital transformation of Motor Presse Stuttgart in Germany and abroad and driving the development of strong print-digital brands”, said Dr. Volker Breid, Managing Director at Motor Presse Stuttgart. The terms of the deals were not disclosed.

caraworld.de

caraworld.de, is Germany’s largest marketplace for new and used caravans and campers. The portal is aligned towards commercial traders as well as private buyers and vendors. caraworld.de offers more than 15,000 new and used vehicles and generates more than three million hits with around 40 million page impressions a year.

Motor Presse TV

Motor Presse Stuttgart is acquiring TV entrepreneur Jörg Schütter’s 41 per cent of shares in the Motor Presse TV company giving it a 51% majority stake in the joint-venture established in 2009. Jörg Schütte will retain a 49% holding in Motor Presse TV and will manage the company alongside Norbert Lehmann, Chief Financial Officer at Motor Presse Stuttgart. Motor Presse TV operates the pay TV auto motor und sport Channel which reaches around 900,000 subscriber households in German-language cable and IP TV networks. Acquisition of the majority holding by Motor Presse Stuttgart is subject to approval by the media supervisory authorities.

MojeAuto.pl

Motor Presse Polen is acquiring MojeAuto.pl from the Allegro Group. MojeAuto.pl was established by Automotive Internet Services S.A. in 2000 and acquired by the Allegro Group in 2010. The Web site currently employs 25 people and is based in Wroclaw which is also home to Motor Presse Polen. The Web site offers news, photo galleries and videos, tests and product ratings, marketplaces for new and used vehicles, tyres and wheel rims as well as accessories and financial services.

Germany, Stuttgart & Poland, Wroclaw

Posted in Broadcasting, Content Media, e-Commerce, Internet Media, Publishers, ~Europe. Tags: , . Leave a Comment »
« Older posts
Newer posts »