ITV announced on Friday that it was “actively exploring” the possibility of acquiring All3Media from Warner Bros. Discovery and Liberty Global.
Warner Bros. Discovery and John Malone’s cable and telecom powerhouse Liberty Global have been looking into alternatives for their production joint venture All3Media, the largest TV production group in the United Kingdom. Some of its notable titles include The Traitors and The Tourist, along with the critically acclaimed film 1917 released in 2019.
According to industry sources, potential buyers for the company included not only ITV but also prominent production giants like Fremantle and Banijay.
The statement said, “The recent media speculation and confirms that it is actively exploring the possible acquisition of All3Media. There can be no certainty as to whether any transaction will take place, nor as to the terms of any such transaction. A further announcement will be made if and when appropriate.”
According to reports filed with the UK’s Companies House, All3Media’s sales increased 32% to a record £867M in 2021. Its profits before interest, taxes, and depreciation were £84 million.
Sources previously stated that the existing owners, led by CEO Jane Turton, were considering selling All3Media to a third party, but might possibly elect to have one of them buy out the other’s 50% ownership.
