Banijay Eyes U.S. Scripted Expansion, Acquisitions Possible
Jeff Zucker and Marco Bassetti said at MIPCOM Cannes that Banijay Entertainment plans to grow in U.S. scripted, with acquisitions an option.
Banijay Entertainment intends to expand into the U.S. scripted market, Executive Chairman Jeff Zucker and CEO Marco Bassetti said on stage at MIPCOM Cannes. Zucker called scripted an area the company will look to develop in the years ahead and said the U.S. represents a fresh opportunity in scripted, according to Deadline.
Bassetti said the company is not yet deeply involved in the U.S. scripted market, although that may change. He added that Banijay has nothing to be jealous of when compared with companies such as Sony and other major studios.
On the question of growth by acquisition, Banijay is open to acquisitions in the U.S., though Zucker said there is no company Banijay feels it must acquire.
A merged studio with a large portfolio
Banijay Entertainment and the RedBird IMI-owned All3Media have merged, creating a Europe-based production and distribution studio with pro forma revenues of over $8B.
Banijay's production companies are making the upcoming Beatles movies. Its portfolio includes The Traitors, Big Brother, Black Mirror, Midsomer Murders, Survivor and Deal or No Deal.
Quick answers
What did Banijay executives say at MIPCOM Cannes?
Jeff Zucker and Marco Bassetti said Banijay Entertainment intends to expand into the U.S. scripted market, with acquisitions an option.
What is Banijay's revenue after the All3Media merger?
The merged Banijay Entertainment and All3Media have pro forma revenues of over $8B.
What titles are in Banijay's portfolio?
The portfolio includes The Traitors, Big Brother, Black Mirror, Midsomer Murders, Survivor and Deal or No Deal.