Banijay and All3Media complete $8bn merger to form indie giant

The production and distribution landscape underwent a seismic shift as the mega-merger between Banijay Entertainment and All3Media officially concluded. The transaction, which brings together two of the industry’s most prolific content creators, establishes a new global entertainment entity valued at US$8bn.

Confirming the completion of a process that began with an initial announcement in March, the deal merges Banijay Group and RedBird IMI’s interests into a single, expansive powerhouse. The new, London-headquartered group will operate under the Banijay Entertainment banner. Ownership is split equally, with Banijay Group and RedBird IMI — a venture backed by RedBird Capital Partners and Abu Dhabi-based IMI Media Group — each holding a 50% stake.

Media additions

Leadership and Structural Realignment

The integration of the two giants brings significant changes to the executive suite. Jeff Zucker, as head of RedBird IMI, assumes the role of chairman. Marco Bassetti, previously the CEO of Banijay Entertainment, transitions into the role of chief executive for the combined group, while All3Media’s outgoing CEO, Jane Turton, takes on the role of deputy CEO. The pair will work from the new headquarters in London, though the firm plans to maintain the “de-centralised country CEO-driven model” that previously defined Banijay’s operations.

In a statement regarding the new era of the company, Zucker noted the significance of the union.

"The completion of this merger marks a new era in global entertainment and creates a new independent leader in that category. This also marks a milestone for RedBird IMI, in only its third year, to play such a leading role in the global entertainment stage."

Bassetti, emphasizing the strategic necessity of the merger, described the move as a transformative step for the organization.

"Together, we are entering a new chapter as a global media and entertainment powerhouse and natural consolidator, uniting first-class creative talent and leadership, standout IP, and the diversified cross-territory expertise to build and retain long-lasting franchises that span every major market and platform."

Scale and Market Impact

The combined entity claims the title of the world’s largest non-US studio group, creating a vast footprint spanning 25 territories. By uniting their catalogues, the group now manages over 265,000 hours of content. The merger integrates iconic intellectual property, including The Traitors, Survivor, MasterChef, Big Brother, and Peaky Blinders.

The deal is seen as a direct response to the industry's trend toward consolidation among global streaming platforms. By combining Banijay’s scale and relationship with streamers with All3Media’s heavy reliance on English-language content, which accounts for approximately 80% of its production revenues, the group aims to negotiate more favourable multi-territory commissions.

Furthermore, the integration of Little Dot Studios, the digital arm previously associated with All3Media, alongside Banijay’s existing digital and distribution capabilities, is expected to drive new revenue streams across social, FAST, and OTT platforms. The companies project cost synergies of €50m to be achieved within the first year of the merger.

Key Facts at a Glance

Category	Details
New Valuation	US$8bn
Combined Catalogue	Over 265,000 hours
Creative Labels	170+ across 25 countries
Projected Cost Synergies	€50m (within one year)

Integration and Future Outlook

While the business integration is now effective, certain arms will maintain their current workflows during a transition phase. Cathy Payne’s Banijay Rights and Louise Pedersen’s All3Media International will continue to operate independently until formal integration protocols are finalized. Looking ahead, the group plans to increase investments in immersive and live experiences, leveraging existing expertise such as the development of virtual-reality content. The company, which already houses the gaming firm Betclic, aims to use its newfound scale to buffer against the volatility of the global creative economy and further embed its IP into every major market.

Turton, reflecting on the transition, expressed confidence in the combined resources of the new organization.

"I am proud to be joining forces with Marco and the new team at a time when there is a huge appetite for brilliant shows developed and produced by world-class talent. Add to that the strength of a global distributor, a market-leading digital studio and a growing live events business and the opportunity multiplies many times over."

As the firm begins its post-merger operations, the industry will be watching to see how this “super-indie” navigates its expanded portfolio of approximately 170 creative labels and whether it can effectively harmonize the distinct cultural identities of its various production houses under the unified Banijay Entertainment brand.