Banijay, which owns IP such as “Big Brother” and “Peaky Blinders,” is in advanced talks with All3Media owner RedBird IMI about merging the two companies’ TV production businesses, the company confirmed in a statement on Tuesday.
“The Company confirms that it has entered into discussions with the All3Media owner regarding a potential combination between Banijay and All3Media,” the statement reads. “At this stage, the Company wishes to emphasize that no decision has been taken and that there can be no assurance that a transaction will
be concluded. Further announcements will be made if and when appropriate.”
News of the talks were first reported by Reuters, who said the discussions, which began towards the end of last year after Banijay gave up on its pursuit of ITV Studios, were at “an advanced stage” and have been focused on combining Banijay’s Entertainment & Live unit, which also oversees titles such as “MasterChef,” with All3Media, which produces Peacock’s “The Traitors.”
The outlet, which emphasized that a deal had not been reached and may not happen, added that All3Media and RedBird IMI could inject funds into the combined entity, which would have around 5.7 billion euros ($6.65 billion) in revenue based on 2024 figures published by the companies.
Representatives for RedBird IMI and All3Media declined to comment.
If completed, the move would be a major shake-up for international TV production, forming one of the world’s biggest production groups.
The discussions come as both Banijay and All3Media have reportedly discussed potential combinations with ITV’s studio business. In November, ITV confirmed that it was in talks with Comcast and Sky to sell its media and entertainment division for $2.1 billion.
Banijay also previously made a binding offer to acquire All3Media back in 2023. However, it would ultimately be acquired by RedBird IMI, which is led by former CNN executive Jeff Zucker, which completed its £1.15 billion ($1.45 billion) in 2024.
All3Media, which was previously jointly owned by Warner Bros. Discovery and Liberty Global, has 50 production labels, including Studio Lambert, Raw, Two Brothers Pictures, Silverback Films, New Pictures and Neal Street Productions.
Banijay Entertainment has a portfolio of over 130 companies, over 17,000 hours of content and 1,5000 live events each year across the globe. Its businesses include Endemol Shine, Bunim/Murray, Mastiff, Groenlandia, 51 Minds, Dragonfly, Pookeepsie, Initial, Kudos, Tiger Aspect, Shine TV, Remarkable, The Forge, Truly Original and Zeppotron, among others.
