Asian sales house Bomanbridge Media takes over UK distributor West One, names Carl Hall CCO
Singapore-based distributor Bomanbridge Media has expanded its international footprint by finalising the acquisition of London-headquartered independent media group West One International.
The agreement will see West One folded into the Bomanbridge group and re-named Bomanbridge West. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Carl Hall, founder and MD of West One, has been named chief creative officer of the rebranded outfit and will head up its European operations from the UK office, reporting directly to Sonia Fleck, Bomanbridge’s founder and CEO.
The European office will spearhead the expansion of the company’s catalogue, with a strong emphasis on factual content, development and production as well as acquisitions and synergistic collaborations.
The deal sees the Bomanbridge library grow to over 5,500 hours of content across multiple genres including factual, lifestyle, kids and drama.
Bomanbridge was founded in 2009, initially focusing on distribution across Asia. Over time, the company has significantly expanded both its global rights offerings and its slate of programming. In an interview with C21 last year, Fleck hinted that Bomanbridge would announce a merger in 2025.
Bomanbridge’s coproductions in Asia include The Great Wall with Ash Dykes (6×60’) produced in collaboration with CICC, Insight TV and Zig Zag; and Chefs Uncut (6×30’) with Netflix and Creators Lab.
It has also brought global projects to the market such as science and technology series The Climate Restorers (4×60’), in partnership with US and Canada-based environmental channel EarthxTV and Transmediavision.
West One was launched in 2018 and describes itself as a contemporary content business and independent media group, focused on global financing and content sales.
Its catalogue includes factual content like eco-themed Reversing Climate Disaster (1×60’), true-crime docuseries Killer Cases (3×60’) and kids’ educational comedy Pixie Fix (13×11’).
Sonia Fleck said: “It gives me great pleasure to announce the acquisition of West One International, which brings with it Carl’s extensive media industry expertise and skill set.
“Carl’s experience in the industry both as a producer and a distributor, is already playing a pivotal role in driving our next phase of growth.
“We are excited to be planting our flag in London as we continue to support and collaborate with amazing talent from around the world.”
Carl Hall said: “I have had the pleasure of working with Sonia for nearly 20 years with Bomanbridge acting as Asian agent for my former businesses Parthenon and Sky Vision, as well as West One.
“Sonia has singlehandedly built a significant business in Asia and has capitalised on the opportunities in the region by collaborating between East and West. As a result, we are well-positioned to expand the business internationally.
“I look forward to working with Sonia and her team as we maximise opportunities for Bomanbridge around the world.”
