A $8 billion merger between French production giant Banijay and U.K.-based All3Media was announced Monday, creating one of the world’s largest independent television production groups. The deal, a strategic partnership between Banijay Group and RedBird IMI, will combine the producers of globally popular franchises including “Peaky Blinders,” “The Traitors,” and “Masterchef.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Banijay and RedBird IMI will each hold a 50 percent stake in the newly formed company, which will operate under the Banijay name. Marco Bassetti, currently CEO of Banijay Entertainment, will lead the combined group as CEO, while Jane Turton, CEO of All3Media, will serve as Deputy CEO. Jeff Zucker, CEO of RedBird IMI, will chair the board of the merged entity.
The combined company will boast a content library of over 260,000 hours of programming, encompassing more than 45 formats produced in over three territories. Productions include Studio Lambert’s “The Traitors,” Kudos’ “Peaky Blinders,” Two Brothers’ “The Tourist,” and Neal Street Productions, the company behind upcoming films based on the lives of The Beatles. Banijay’s portfolio also includes “Big Brother,” “Survivor,” and “Gogglebox.”
RedBird IMI, a joint venture between RedBird Capital Partners and Abu Dhabi-based IMI media group, formed three years ago with the stated goal of building a diversified entertainment company. According to Zucker, the merger with Banijay achieves that ambition. “With this combination of Banijay Entertainment and All3Media, we have realized that goal, and are thrilled to partner with the entire Banijay team,” he said.
The deal is expected to close in the fall of 2026, pending regulatory approvals. The combined group’s 2024 pro forma revenues are projected to exceed €7.4 billion ($8.59 billion), with adjusted EBITDA of €690 million ($800 million). Banijay Group will continue to consolidate the new company’s earnings.
All3Media is currently owned by the joint investment partnership between Gerry Cardinale’s RedBird and IMI Media. The merger positions the new Banijay to strengthen its presence with global streaming platforms and attract talent, according to a company statement.
