Banijay in the ring to buy Endemol

Banijay Group has been tipped as the new frontrunner to buy Big Brother producer Endemol Shine Group. 

The European business – which is owned by Stéphane Courbit’s LOV Group and De Agostini Group’s DeA Communications, alongside Vivendi’s 26% stake – is reportedly in talks to acquire the producer, and is believed to be the lead bidder at this point, although the auction process has yet to close.

Banijay’s reported lead comes after ITV told investors earlier this week that it will not make a bid for Endemol Shine, noting that it “has no current intention” to bid for the Black Mirror producer.

ITV joined the likes of Germany’s RTL and Sony which also ruled itself out earlier this summer.

The other frontrunner for the business is believed to be Killing Eve distributor Endeavor, which is said to still be looking at Endemol.

Meanwhile, Lionsgate and All3Media also continue to be linked as potential buyers of the company.

(Pictured: Banijay format Survivor)