Banijay de France explores the candidacy for ITV

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The French media giant Banijay Group works on plans for an acquisition offer ITV Or its Studio Arm to bring together two of the largest television production groups in Europe, according to two people who know the situation.

Banijay He has had an early conversation with the British media group, he said, the study arm has attracted the interest of several investment groups such as Redbird Imi, who owns All3Media rival, as well as private capital funds.

The ITV shares price has increased a tenth place this year the talk about a possible agreement for the study armvaluing the group just over £ 3 million. Analysts say the arm of studies could be worth it that, on its own, setting little value in a diffusion business that includes a linear and streaming service in the United Kingdom.

The options that have been explored by Banijay include an offer for ITV’s Studio Business Or the complete taking over ITV. The latter could mean that Banijay would try to bring to third -party investors, according to a person close to the situation.

The ITV discussions are in a very early phase, without ensuring that they advance an agreement for the media group or their study business, said a person who knew the situation.

The combination of Banijay and ITV Studios would have a strategic sense given its strengths in the production of scripted television and without registrations, with both programs for the large stations and for us. The combination would offer negotiation power, as many streams and broadcasters seek to reduce spending.

ITV does shows such as Love Island – that also emits in the UK – and Rivals For Disney, while Banijay produces successful programs such as Blinders Peaky and Big Brother.

Banijay Entertainment, the French production and distribution company, is owned by Banijay Group, which is based and is in Amsterdam. The Banijay group, controlled by the French businessman Stéphane Courbit, also makes a large number of non -English language titles such as Like water for chocolate For Hbo’s Max, and Supeze, The life you wanted and The law according to Lidia Poët For Netflix in Italy.

ITV has had talks first and separated with Redbird Imi, the investment group supported by Abu Dhabi, which last year acquired the rival of the United Kingdom All3media. ITV has also explored several combinations for rival companies, including a potential offer for All3Media last year.

Liberty Global, ITV’s biggest shareholder with about a tenth of his actions, supports the management who seeks options for the business, according to the people who know the situation.

Banijay and ITV refused to comment.