Endemol lands in Israel

Endemol has confirmed its expansion into the Israeli market with the acquisition of its former CEO’s 50% stake in Kuperman Productions.

The deal means Ynon Kreiz, who stepped down from Endemol almost two years ago, ends his association with Kuperman, producer of Big Brother Israel. He acquired his share of the company in 2009.

Kuperman, founded in 2005, now becomes Endemol Israel and will develop formats across all genres for both the local and international markets and produce Endemol’s international formats for Israel.

Elad Kuperman, Kuperman’s co-owner, will continue to head the venture, selling part of his stake as well in order to give Endemol majority control. He said the two companies would “pursue significant expansion together.”

Among Kuperman’s titles are the sitcom Traffic Light, which was sold to Fox in the US and CTC in Russia, and entertainment show Honey Please, which was picked up by GSN in the US.

Just Spee, CEO of Endemol Group, said: “With the launch of Endemol Israel we establish a presence in one of the world’s most creative markets. The high volume of innovative formats coming out of the region continues to grow and our ability to deliver this content to our clients around the world makes this an exciting opportunity.”

Group president Tim Hincks told delegates at MipTV earlier this month that Endemol’s financial woes were behind it and the firm was “back in the game of M&A.”