Simply Media launches acquisitions vehicle

Simply Media has announced the launch of Simply Ventures, a new division of the business that actively seeks production and programme distribution acquisition opportunities.

The company is looking at opportunities to acquire new assets and turn around the business. One example is the company’s most recent acquisition of DDHE from MEM Plc. DDHE went into receivership in 2007, but Simply said “Using [our] knowledge of web TV and digital channels created new ways to exploit the licensed content available to the mail order business. This has seen new revenue streams emerge for the business, which was recently rebranded as Simply Home Entertainment, and even the launch of a complementary film channel Simply Movies, which is available on Sky and Freesat.”

Since the sale of Superstore TV to Ideal Shopping Plc in 2006, Simply has completed 11 transactions via creating, buying or selling companies, allowing the Simply Ventures brand to grow organically. One acquisition included Brand Live Ltd, owners of GolfBug TV, which recently launched the Back 9 Golf show which is available through The Independent and Eurosport Yahoo as well as Golfbug.tv. Retail Digital Networks has also been sold by Simply for an undisclosed sum in May 2008.

“It is a tough time for independent TV and film production companies, the possibilities of distribution and more importantly advances to cover productions, are looking bleak. We have spent the last few years honing our distribution skills, Simply Home Entertainment is a great example of this, ” Said Henry Scott, CEO of Simply Media, in a statement. “We are excited about working with creative individuals who may have been commissioned to create programming for a specific channel, but now are unsure of the other distribution opportunities available to them.”