Peter Chernin linked to Endemol, Core Media deal

Peter Chernin is reportedly in merger talks with formats giant Endemol and American Idol producer Core Media.

Peter Chernin

The Los Angeles Times reported that Chernin is exploring the possibility of merging his television and film production company Chernin Entertainment with the two reality television firms.

The deal would see Chernin become chairman of the new company and would likely be bankrolled by Providence Equity Partners, which invested US$200 million in the Chernin Group earlier this year.

Chernin Entertainment produces series including Zooey Deschanel’s Fox comedy New Girl.

Endemol produces and distributes a raft of international formats including Big Brother and Deal or No Deal, while Core Media, which was formerly known as CKX, owns 19 Entertainment, producer of Idol and So You Think You Can Dance and also owns the licensing rights to Elvis Presley and Muhammad Ali.