Nel giro di due anni Endemol, la casa di produzione olandese del Grande Fratello, passa da Mediaset al rivale Murdoch. 21st Century Fox, il gruppo del magnate australiano, ha raggiunto un accordo con i fondi Apollo - che hanno preso il controllo di Endemol dopo l'uscita nel 2012 di Mediaset e dopo la ristrutturazione dei debiti per quasi 3 miliardi - per creare un maxi-polo di produzione dei contenuti tv che comprenderà Endemol, Core Media (un'altra controllata di Apollo) e Shine Group (già di 21St Century). Il controllo del nuovo gruppo, che può contare su un portafoglio tv di oltre 600 format, sarà paritetico tra Murdoch e il fondo: 50% ciascuno.
La guida operativa sarà affidata a Sophie Turner Laing, ex managing director della divisione contenuti a BSkyB. L'alleanza con BSkyB arriva a pochi mesi dalla conclusione di un lungo processo di riassetto finanziario di Endemol che ha portato i principali creditori del gruppo convertire in capitale la propria esposizione finanziaria. Nel 2007 Endemol era stata acquistata da una cordata composta da Mediaset, Goldman Sachs e da Cyrte Fund del fondatore John de Mol.
ENGLISH VERSION:
21st Century Fox and Apollo Announce Agreement to Create a Leading Global Multi-Platform Content Provider, Bringing Together Endemol, Shine Group and CORE Media
NEW YORK-- 21st Century Fox (NASDAQ: FOXA, FOX) and funds managed by affiliates of Apollo Global Management, LLC (NYSE:APO) today announced a final agreement to create a leading global multi-platform content provider, bringing together Endemol, Shine Group and CORE Media. Under the terms of the agreement 21st Century Fox and Apollo will jointly manage the newly created group, with each owning 50 per cent. The group’s businesses will have creative operations in over 30 markets, with a diverse portfolio of over 600 formats, both scripted and non-scripted, coupled with digital, gaming, and distribution operations.
As previously announced, Sophie Turner Laing, former Managing Director of Content at BSkyB, will serve as the group’s CEO. Ms. Turner Laing has spent the last decade at BSkyB, where she oversaw content strategy and was instrumental in the expansion of its portfolio of entertainment channels, including the Company’s partnership with HBO.
“This partnership advances our strategy of accelerating 21st Century Fox’s growth in worldwide television production,” said Chase Carey, 21st Century Fox President and Chief Operating Officer. “The combination of these assets will create a leading global format business with a deep and diverse portfolio of products, enhanced distribution capabilities, and world-class creative talent. We are extremely grateful to Alex Mahon for her leadership of Shine and are delighted to partner with Apollo in supporting Sophie Turner Laing, and the talent at Shine, Endemol and CORE, in our shared mission to form an unrivalled team to lead this truly global content creation business.”
“It is a particularly opportune time to bring together three extraordinary companies, establishing one of the most innovative and diverse content creators in the world,” said Aaron Stone, Senior Partner at Apollo. “The group will have impressive capabilities to offer the creative community and to invest in all aspects of media’s future. At the heart of this partnership are the businesses’ thousands of employees around the world. We are thrilled to collaborate with them and with 21st Century Fox and we are especially thankful to Just Spee for his extraordinary leadership of Endemol on its journey to success.”
“I am delighted to join the extraordinary collection of talent at Endemol, Shine and CORE,” said Sophie Turner Laing. “Content has never been more creatively vibrant and exciting and our exceptional production and distribution capabilities will be a magnet for talent to realize their creative ambitions across all platforms on a regional and global scale."
Just Spee, the current Endemol CEO, and Alex Mahon, CEO of Shine Group, will remain with their respective companies for an extended period following the close of the transaction, working with Ms. Turner Laing on the transition and integration of business operations. Following the transition period, both will step down in 2015 to pursue new opportunities. Upon the transaction’s close Elisabeth Murdoch will step down as Non-Executive Chairman of Shine Group.
“It’s been a genuine privilege to lead Endemol and its exceptional team of talent during my time as CEO. Throughout this period the business has continued to thrive; delivering new global hits, expanding into new markets and adding new dimensions in areas such as scripted programming, distribution, digital video and more. All this has occurred against the backdrop of a major restructuring of inherited debt and some of the strongest economic headwinds the global market has ever witnessed,” said Mr. Spee. “With Endemol about to embark on a new chapter, it’s time to transition the business and accelerate its investment into the future. The company couldn’t be in better hands with Sophie Turner Laing at the helm; and I’m incredibly proud to be transitioning a business so strongly positioned, with what looks to be one of the most exciting periods in its history ahead.”
“Shine has grown consistently over the last decade to be a dynamic, creative and commercially successful group of 27 companies across 11 countries,” said Alex Mahon, CEO of Shine Group. “This deal enables the next phase of that growth in which I'm convinced our creative talent can prosper and will produce even more brilliant shows. For me, after two major transactions it is the right time to leave to take on a new challenge. I would like to thank every one of my colleagues for the opportunity to help create such an inspiring business. I look forward to working with Sophie to transfer Shine into its next era before leaving. ”
"As Shine enters this new chapter with new partners, it is the right time for me to take the final step back from the company I love,” said Elisabeth Murdoch, Non-Executive Chairman of Shine Group. “It has been an immense pleasure and privilege to work with such extraordinary talent in a shared endeavor to create a unique and outstanding television company. I will be eternally grateful to everyone at Shine Group for their dedication to the pursuit of excellence. I leave with lifetime friendships and admiration for a company I am proud to have been a part of. "
Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed, and completion of the transaction is subject to regulatory clearances and other customary closing conditions. Prior to completion of the transaction, Endemol, Shine and CORE will continue to operate as separate companies. Upon completion of the transaction, CORE will retain its own capital structure. The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of the calendar year.
AGM Partners is serving as financial advisor to 21st Century Fox.
