Proper TV buys out BuzzTaxi

Canadian factual producer Proper Television is moving into international distribution with the acquisition of compatriot BuzzTaxi Communications.

Proper, which is behind series including MasterChef Canada, Canada’s Worst Driver, Come Dine with Me Canada, and Storage Wars Canada, now wholly owns and operate BuzzTaxi – a specialist distributor of factual content – with immediate effect.

Proper has been around since 2004 and is headed up by president Guy O’Sullivan, whose prior producer/director credits include CBC, Mentorn and the BBC.

The deal for BuzzTaxi, which was set up in 1999, will not result in staff changes there, with founders Jenna Bourdeau and Natalie Vinet remaining on the team as VPs, the two companies said.

No price tag was put on the deal, which will see BuzzTaxi rebrand as Proper Distribution.

O’Sullivan said the acquisition meant Proper could “hit the ground running with our growing number of original series, as well as aggressively seek third-party content. Jenna and Natalie have spent more than a decade out in the marketplace and their know-how will be invaluable as we grow the Proper brand.”

BuzzTaxi brings a string clients whose programmes span documentaries and lifestyle with current titles including Les Stroud’s Survivorman series, Canada’s Handyman Challenge and Real Designing Women, from Firvalley Productions.