Banijay buys Dutch sports prodco

European production and distribution giant Banijay has expanded its portfolio of companies in Benelux with the acquisition of Dutch sports producer Southfields.

Peter Lubbers

Banijay has taken a majority stake in the Amsterdam-based firm, which will retain its identity but will become part of Banijay-owned EndemolShine Sport.

Southfields will be led by the business’s current management – Ernst Veldkamp, Arthur Zuijderwijk and Emiel Gobes – who will report to Banijay Benelux CEO Peter Lubbers. From today, it will be based at Banijay Benelux’s headquarters.

The entity will deliver coverage, talkshows and documentaries on football, cycling, Formula 1, hockey, volleyball and basketball.

Lubbers said: “By bringing together the Netherlands’ two strongest sports production brands, we are even better positioned to serve the market with high-quality content in this field.

“It has always been our ambition to partner with every Dutch network and OTT platform, and with amazing talent at the helm, we have no doubt this will be the case as we look ahead to a fantastic summer of sport.”

Southfields general manager Veldkamp added: “In its new capacity, Southfields continues to focus on sports coverage, match registrations, talkshows, sports-related formats and sports documentaries. As part of Banijay Benelux, with its international network and excellent creativity and track record, the merger with EndemolShine Sport offers us more opportunities for the future.”