NENT Group sells off UK distribution business to All3Media

All3Media has acquired NENT Studios’ UK distribution business – formerly known as DRG – from Nordic Entertainment Group (NENT Group).

The acquisition adds more than 10,000 hours of shows to All3Media International’s slate, including over 100 formats, with series such as Doc Martin, The Cry, Yorkshire Vet, Manhunt, Catchphrase and Don’t Tell the Bride.

Jane Turton, All3Media CEO, pointed to the “deep, high quality, distribution catalogue” as the reason for the acquisition. “There has never been more demand for high quality IP, and we are all looking forward to working closely with the producers of these shows,” she added.

Louise Pedersen, CEO of All3Media International, described the catalogue as “an excellent and complementary addition” to its library. Financial details have not been disclosed.

TBI understands the focus of the deal for All3 is on the library, but NENT Studios UK has also been rapidly expanding its development slate, unveiling a deal with UK indie Projector Pictures for TM Logan’s thriller The Holiday, while production has started on Close To Me, which is being produced for Viaplay and the UK’s Channel 4.

NENT Studios UK – whose name will be retained by NENT Group following the sale – also has 15 shows in paid development with broadcasters and an internal development slate of around 40 projects.

Richard Halliwell

Background

The sale comes 18 months since NENT Studios UK was launched as part of the Nordic group’s overhaul of its operations, which saw its production interests – comprising 32 companies across 17 countries – split into three units: NENT Studios Nordics & CEE; NENT Studios US; and NENT Studios UK.

NENT’s UK-based arm was then put on the block in November by its Nordic owners, which is in the process of expanding the reach of its streamer Viaplay.

The company is also looking for a buyer of its unscripted production interests, with that process was delayed because of the pandemic.

The decision to sell NENT’s UK arm – which is led by CEO and former DRG chief Richard Halliwell – surprised some industry insiders, who previously told TBI that the firm was assumed to be a key content supplier for NENT’s streamer Viaplay.

Gabriel Catrina, NENT Group EVP & CFO, said: “All3Media’s position as a global distributor and storyteller makes it an ideal home for NENT Studios’ UK distribution business. This agreement and the ongoing sale of our Nordic non-scripted businesses are in line with NENT Group’s strategy of focusing on scripted content for our fast-expanding Viaplay streaming service, which will be available in at least 15 countries by 2023.”