Multi-billion pound merger could be announced as soon as this week, report suggests
All3Media and Banijay could tie up their multibillion pound merger as soon as this week, according to a report.
Discussions between the companies were first confirmed in January, with a combination of France-based Banijay and RedBird IMI-backed All3Media creating a production mega-giant, with brands such as as MasterChef, Peaky Blinders. Big Brother, Squid Game: The Challenge and The Traitors all under one roof.
Talks are at a “very advanced” stage, according to Sky News, which added that a deal could be confirmed as soon as this week although its sources added that a deal was not certain.
Sources suggested to Broadcast last week at London TV Screenings that a deal was imminent, with the takeover discussions starting late last year after Banijay ditched its bid to acquire ITV Studios.
The two groups pulled in around €6bn (£5.2bn) in combined revenues in 2024 and both groups have been linked with various mergers over recent years as they look to scale up as viewing moves from TV to streaming.
Banijay, which is listed on the Amsterdam stock exchange, had looked to buy All3Media in 2023, but valuations did not align and the company was subsequently acquired by RedBird IMI.
Two years later in January 2025, All3 was linked with an acquisition of ITV Studios, but that too was ditched. Comcast-owned Sky is now looking to buy the streaming and broadcast operations of ITV.
This latest deal has been seen as likely to come to fruition from the outset, however.
The French company, which has over 130 production companies in 25 territories, has since been expanding its revenue streams, combining under a Banijay Group umbrella that also houses gaming firm BetClic.
All3, meanwhile, operates more than 40 labels across the UK, US, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and New Zealand, including Squid Game: The Challenge producer Studio Lambert and Two Brothers. The group was bought by RedBird IMI in May 2024 for £1.15bn following a deal with former owners Warner Bros Discovery and Liberty Global.
The merger would involve Banijay’s Entertainment & Live division and All3, with RedBird IMI reportedly set to invest additional funds into the entity. Sky reported that Banijay Entertainment chief exec Marco Bassetti would run the merged entity.
Banijay declined to comment on the latest developments when contacted by Broadcast International and pointed to its statement when talks were confirmed in January.
“At this stage, the company wishes to emphasise 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,” Banijay said. All3 had not immediately responded to a request for comment at press time.
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