Paris, 6 OctoBer 2022: Banijay announces today that it has entered into the Scheme Implementation Act (diagram) to acquire Beyond International Limited (ASX: BYI) (apart from), a scripted and no scripted multi-territorial content group. Beyond has been listed on the Australian Stock Exchange since 1987, but after the implementation of the Program, it will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Banijay and its shares will cease to be publicly traded.
Complementing the existing Banijay catalog of more than 130,000 hours, Beyond Rights includes more than 8,000 hours of intellectual property. Main distributed titles, sourced from third-party and in-house production, include Highway Thru Hell, Heavy Rescue: 401, Massive Engineering Mistakes, Halifax: Retribution, MythBusters, and Deadly Women, among others.
Elsewhere, with a history of producing in English-speaking markets, Beyond Productions’ latest titles include the recently announced Back in the Groove, a new dating series for Hulu, produced in association with Walt Disney Television Alternative; multi-territory franchise, Love It or List It Australia; 8-part script series Troppo (co-produced with EQ Media) shown on Freevee USA and ABC Australia; and a number of as yet unannounced new series in production in many markets.
Beyond International Limited’s Managing Director and CEO, Mikael Borglund, remains in his position.
Marco bassettipresident, banijay remarks: “As the demand for content continues to grow, the catalog remains the key, and by acquiring Beyond, we will significantly expand our offer. First of all, by strengthening our intellectual and production property portfolio in the English-speaking and substantive space, with complementary Beyond content, the transaction can strengthen our position as a leading partner for both customers and business partners. “
Mikael Borglund, Managing Director and CEO, Beyond International Limited comments: “Beyond’s management board is very supportive of the transaction, thanks to which we will join the Banijaya group, strengthening its position on an increasingly competitive market. Joining a leading global company like this is a very exciting opportunity for us, and we look forward to working together on new opportunities in the future. ”
With this acquisition, Banijay will take full control of a group of companies and divisions of Beyond International Limited, with all activities taking over its own production and distribution.
Implementation of the Program is subject to certain conditions, including approval by Beyond’s shareholders, court approval and other customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close in late 2022 / early 2023.
Banijay is adviser on the Corrs Chambers Westgarth transaction.
About Banijaj A leading content producer and distributor, Banijay is home to more than 120 production companies in 22 territories, as well as a multi-genre catalog with over 130,000 hours of original, stand-out programming.
The group of creative entrepreneurs represents some of the world’s largest brands, including Survivor, Big Brother, Starstruck, Peaky Blinders, MasterChef, Rogue Heroes, Mr Bean, Hunted, Blow Up, Black Mirror, Marie Antoinette, Love Triangle and Limitless Win, among others. By imagining and delivering high-quality multi-species IP that’s born locally and travels around the world, the company offers the best stories told in the best way.
Built on independence, creative freedom, collaborative entrepreneurship and commercial sense, the company, founded in 2008, operates under the leadership of CEO Marco Bassetti.
About FL EntertainmentFounded by Stéphane Courbit, a 30-year-old pioneer and entrepreneur in the entertainment industry, FL Entertainment Group is a global leader in multimedia content and games, combining the strengths of Banijaya, the world’s largest independent producer distributor, with Betclic Everest Group, the fastest growing Group is an internet platform for sports betting in Europe. In 2021, FL Entertainment recorded through Banijay and Betclic Everest Group total revenues and adjusted EBITDA of EUR 3.5 billion and EUR 609 million respectively. FL Entertainment listed on Euronext Amsterdam in July 2022 ISIN: NL0015000X07 – Bloomberg: FLE NA – Reuters: FLE.AS
About Beyond International Limited Beyond International Limited (ASX: BYI) is a leading international producer and manager of media content for international distribution through multiple platforms, including AVOD, SVOD and broadcast.
Under its umbrella, it has two main operating segments – international media production and the management and distribution of media rights. To date, he has produced over 5,000 hours of worldwide television programming in a wide range of territories and genres, including factual entertainment, documentaries, and premium dramas. The Emmy Award Winner works with line broadcasters around the world, as well as Netflix, Hulu, Disney + and National Geographic. Key titles include MythBusters, White Rabbit Project, My Lottery Dream Home, Pooch Perfect, Love It Or List It Australia, Deadly Women, Troppo, and Halifax Retribution.
In international distribution, Beyond uses its extensive experience in the acquisition, management and exploitation of rights to oversee and market an extensive catalog of programs, both developed internally and sourced from external producers. IP licensing for multiple platforms around the world including AVOD, SVOD and broadcast.
