NBC Universal acquires Carnival Film & Television

by Tristan O'Carroll, Media Week 20-Aug-08, 10:25

LONDON - NBC Universal has struck a deal to acquire UK independent producer Carnival Film & Television, the outfit behind the BBC's Hotel Babylon, and ITV's Midnight Man and Harley Street.

The deal, terms of which were not disclosed, is part of NBC Universal's ongoing strategy of more than doubling non-US revenues by 2010.

Under the terms of the agreement, The media and entertainment giant will acquire 100% of the company, whose current shareholders are Southern Star (75%) and Gareth Neame, chief executive of Carnival (25%). NBC Universal's acquisition also includes library rights to Carnival titles, as well as distribution rights currently held by Southern Star.

Carnival, which specialises in scripted drama, was founded in 1978 and has produced 400 hours of popular drama for TV and cinema, including Traffik, The Grid, Poirot, Jeeves and Wooster, Hotel Babylon (Series 1-3), Rosemary and Thyme, As If, The Whistleblowers and The Old Curiosity Shop.

Jeff Zucker, President and chief executive, NBC Universal, said: "International growth is one of our key strategic priorities, and that includes boosting our ability to create programming for specific local audiences around the world. This acquisition will jump-start our efforts in the very important UK market."