Manchester’s business community is abuzz as RedBird IMI, an Abu Dhabi-backed powerhouse, clinches a monumental deal to acquire All3Media, a leading name in television production, for £1.15 billion. This strategic move positions RedBird IMI, spearheaded by the visionary former CNN president Jeff Zucker, at the forefront of the global content creation and distribution industry.
All3Media, known for its diverse portfolio that includes the groundbreaking shows Fleabag, The Traitors, Squid Game: The Challenge, and the enduring classic Hollyoaks, is a conglomerate of over 50 innovative labels and companies spanning across the UK, US, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and New Zealand. The group’s impressive catalogue boasts 30,000 hours of high-quality content across a wide spectrum of genres, catering to over 1,000 buyers worldwide, making it a beacon of creativity and storytelling excellence.
Under this landmark agreement, RedBird IMI will take over from Warner Bros. Discovery and Liberty Global, marking a significant expansion of its media and entertainment portfolio. Jeff Zucker is set to become the chairman of All3Media’s board, ensuring the group’s continued growth and innovation under his experienced leadership. Jane Turton and Sara Geater, the dynamic duo at the helm of All3Media, are poised to continue leading the company into its promising new chapter with RedBird IMI.
This acquisition is a testament to RedBird IMI’s investment strategy focused on global content creators and intellectual property owners, aiming to bolster All3Media’s growth in Europe and the US. With a track record of successful investments in various media companies, RedBird IMI is setting the stage for All3Media to explore new horizons in content creation and distribution, capitalizing on the ever-growing demand for engaging, high-quality programming.
In the wake of RedBird IMI’s acquisition of All3Media, industry leaders have shared their perspectives on this transformative deal, emphasizing the strategic alignment and future prospects of this union. Jeff Zucker, poised to become chairman of All3Media’s board, expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition, stating, “All3Media is one of the world’s great content companies, and this gives us an incredible platform to continue to grow our expanding portfolio. The demand for new shows and ongoing existing series, both scripted and unscripted, makes All3 a perfect fit for us. We would not be doing this if not for the tremendous confidence we have in the outstanding All3Media management team, led by Jane and Sara.” This statement underlines Zucker’s strategic vision for All3Media as a pivotal player in meeting the burgeoning demand for diverse and compelling content across the globe.
Echoing this sentiment, Jane Turton, CEO of All3Media, articulated her optimism about the merger’s potential to further the company’s growth, “Joining forces with Jeff and the RedBird IMI team is an exciting next step for us as we continue to build All3Media. Our strategy remains to work with the world’s best talent, developing and producing high quality, popular programmes and RedBird IMI’s support and investment will be key in helping us deliver this. I am very proud of all that we have built over the past few years, and I am looking forward to working with the RedBird IMI team as we take this important next step.” Turton’s statement highlights the strategic continuity and ambition to leverage RedBird IMI’s support to scale All3Media’s content creation and distribution capabilities.
Gerry Cardinale, founder and managing partner of RedBird, shared his vision for the acquisition, articulating, “Acquiring All3 is an extension of our investment thesis around pure play global content creators and owners of intellectual property. We look forward to partnering with All3’s management team to continue accelerating their growth in Europe and the US and capitalizing on RedBird’s ecosystem in support of that goal.” Cardinale’s insights reflect RedBird IMI’s commitment to nurturing All3Media’s expansive portfolio, further solidifying its stance as a global leader in the media and entertainment sector.
The deal, expected to close in the coming months pending regulatory approval, is RedBird IMI’s fifth investment since its inception about a year ago, demonstrating its commitment to shaping the future of the entertainment industry. This acquisition not only underscores the strategic value of premium content in today’s digital age but also heralds a new era of innovation and collaboration within the global media landscape
