Overview

• Banijay, known for major acquisitions like Endemol Shine, is in preliminary discussions to acquire ITV or its production arm, ITV Studios.
• ITV Studios, responsible for hits like Love Island and MasterChef, is considered the most valuable part of the company, potentially worth as much as ITV's entire £3 billion market valuation.
• A full takeover of ITV would likely require Banijay to secure third-party financing, highlighting the deal's complexity.
• Other suitors, including All3Media, TF1, and private equity firms like CVC, have also expressed interest in ITV or its studios division in recent months.
• The potential merger would create one of Europe’s largest TV production groups, providing greater scale amidst shifting industry dynamics and reduced content spending.