As a deal made this February comes to full fruition, RedBird IMI has finally completed its takeover of the British indie producer and distributor, All3Media. Brandon Blake, entertainment lawyer Los Angeles with Blake & Wang P.A., unpacks the full details of the deal for us.
Regulatory Approval Granted
Much of the delay in finalizing the deal can be laid at the door of regulatory approval for the US, UK, and Germany, which has finally been granted. All3Media’s exiting owners are Liberty Global and Warner Bros. Discovery. The deal closed for $1.45B.
This makes it RedBird IMI’s largest (single) deal after its launch a little over a year ago, although they have also taken control of several smaller studio entities, including EverWonder Studios, child-focused Hidden Pigeon Company, and Media Res. All3Media, which remains based in London, now owns/operates 50 production labels. They are best known for the long-running hit Call the Midwife, alongside Midsomer Murders, Squid Game: The Challenge, and The Traitors. All3Media International also controls a lucrative library of around 30,000 hours.
New Chairman in Place
RedBird IMI CEO Jeff Zucker will take up the role of Chairman of All3Media, while Sara Geater (COO) and Jane Turnton (CEO) will continue in their current roles. All3Media was owned by Liberty and Warner Bros Discover for a decade but has been adversely impacted in recent years by the soft UK TV ad market and spending reductions from the major networks.
However, it remains one of the most glittering British production companies, and the “war” for its new ownership was fierce, with the crown almost going to ITV last year. Although it was strongly predicted that Banijay would take over the reins, RedBird IMI came out the victor. RedBird IMI is, of course, a joint venture between well-known RedBird Capital Partners and International Media Investments.
Film and Television 