Production group Banijay has agreed to acquire Sony Pictures Television Germany from Sony Pictures Television. Financial details were not disclosed.
Led by Astrid Quentell and Mirek Nitsch, who will remain in position, the company, which is soon to undergo a name change, will join Banijay Germany’s portfolio of labels. The deal, which is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval, will expand its local offering and sees the label’s existing unscripted intellectual property (IP) join the global group’s 130,000-hour-strong catalogue.
Based in Cologne and in operation for over 25 years, Sony Pictures Television Germany has become a home for popular entertainment formats and scripted productions such as award-winning series Die Höhle der Löwen (on VOX since 2014), Der Lehrer (9 seasons on RTL), and ZDF crime series Heldt.
“It is with great pleasure that I welcome Astrid, Mirek, and their team, to the Banijay family! With its strong format brands and high production values, the entity certainly fits perfectly into our group. We have always believed in maintaining the independence and individuality of our labels in order to shape the future of entertainment together, and with the power of this group behind them, we have every confidence, the company will thrive in its new home,” said Marcus Wolter, CEO, Banijay Germany.
Marco Bassetti, CEO, Banijay added: “Talent, talent, talent – our priority, and at the core of our group. From brilliant talent, brilliant ideas are born, and in growing our collective, we strive to further strengthen our world-class, multi-genre portfolio of IP. With Astrid and Mirek, we have a proven duo who can develop high-quality shows that thrive locally and have the universality to tap into audiences globally. They are a very welcome and complimentary addition to our expert-led German operation.”
Banijay Germany was founded in 2018 by Marcus Wolter and French production group Banijay. Together, more than 1,200 employees develop, create, and produce, a diverse array of entertainment formats across all genres with titles including Tatort Dresden, Schlag den Star (Beat the Star), TV Total, Wer wird Millionär? (Who Wants to be a Millionaire?), Kitchen Impossible, The Masked Singer, Promi Big Brother (Celebrity Big Brother), Mein Lokal, Dein Lokal and Kampf der Realitystars (Battle of the Reality Stars).
Comprising over 20 independent labels, the portfolio of businesses includes Banijay Productions Germany, Good Times Fernsehproduktion, Endemol Shine Germany, MadeFor, SR Management, Only Good People, Banijay Live Artist Brand, Good Humor, influencer platform, influence.vision, and Brainpool, with subsidiaries such as Raab TV, Lucky Pics, MTS and Cape Cross.
