Endemol Shine sale back on with Banijay in the lead

The sale of Endemol Shine Group is newly revived, TBI has learned.

It is believed that discussions around a deal are back on, with Banijay Group in pole position to buy the Peaky Blinders producer. TBI understands that although the sale was reported to be suspended in November, discussions around a deal were never formally closed and that talks have been ongoing in recent months.

A senior figure close to the deal has suggested that the price for the Sophie Turner Laing-run business, which has been valued at around £2.5bn, has quietly dropped into a more reasonable orbit, newly invigorating sales talks.

Apollo Global Management and 21st Century Fox each holds a 50% stake in Endemol Shine, but failed to attract a suitor late last year, with around 12 companies, including ITV, Liberty Global, Lionsgate and Sony showing initial interest but eventually backing away from a deal.

It is believed that there has been an eagerness on the part of Apollo to close a deal for the business ahead of the Disney-Fox merger closing in the months ahead.

Fox, Apollo, Endemol and Banijay declined to comment on the deal.

More follows.