Company behind Misomer Murders eyes £600million tv switch
THE production company behind TV dramas including Midsomer Murders and Inspector George Gently is being programmed for a sale of up to £600million.
Buyout firm Permira, which took control of All3Media in 2006 in a deal valuing the business at £320million, is understood to be in talks with Fremantle Media, maker of The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent.
Permira tried to sell the business three years ago but called off the auction after bids fell short of its price tag of £750million.
Fremantle, owned by media giant Bertelsmann, has production operations in more than 20 countries worldwide. Its UK labels include Talkback, founded by Mel Smith and his comedy partner Griff Rhys Jones.
A deal would create a group with combined UK revenues estimated at £425million, which could trigger an investigation by the competition authorities.