ITV has confirmed that it is looking at acquiring All3Media, the owner of Liverpool’s Lime Pictures.
The broadcaster released a statement to the Stock Market this morning in response to “recent media speculation”.
“ITV plc notes 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.”
All3Media is jointly owned by Warner Bros. Discovery and Liberty Global. Liberty also owns around 10% of ITV.
Its global roster of more than 50 production companies range from Lime and Leeds’ Wise Owl Films, to Two Brothers, Lion Television, North One and Studio Lambert.
Should the deal go ahead, it would bring All3Media into ITV Studios and take formats and series including The Traitors, Wild Isles, presented by Sir David Attenborough, Gogglebox, Call The Midwife, Midsomer Murders, The Tourist; and films such as 1917 into ITV.
Following the launch of ITVX, having more programme-makers in-house, plus the 30,000 hours of content from All3Media’s distribution catalogue could be seen as a huge benefit for the broadcaster and its content-hungry streaming platform.
A deal could be worth $1bn.
