Endemol could be about to kick-start its Endemol Sport division after it emerged as part of an investment consortium working towards a rescue deal for Setanta.
Endemol is understood to be part of a refinancing package being pieced together by Access Industries, a private vehicle for Russian-born billionaire Len Blavatnik. Reports suggest Access Industries is looking topay around £20 million for a 51% controlling stake in Setanta.
Access is thought to be carrying out due diligence on Setanta, which has bought itself some time by paying part of the £35m it owes the Premier League and scheduling two further payments.
Endemol created a London-based sports division in September 2008. It is run by two former IMG Sports Media executives, Lawrence Duffy and Gregg Oldfield, who joined on 1 January.
The duo have been tasked with overseeing production and distribution of live coverage of sporting events, as well as factual and sports entertainment programming such as magazine shows across different platforms.
Endemol made its first foray into sports programming in August 2008 with the launch of a Netherlands premier league football channel, Eredivisie Live.
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