Banijay continues expansion by acquiring DMLS TV in France

Banijay has acquired French music and entertainment producer DMLS TV as part of the European production and distribution giant’s continued expansion.

François de Brugada

The deal, financial details of which have not been disclosed, increases Banijay’s presence in France to 11 labels, including Survivor and Fort Boyard producer ALP, Endemol France and H2O Productions.

It also comes shortly after Banijay expanded its portfolio of companies in Benelux with the acquisition of Dutch sports producer Southfields earlier this week.

DMLS TV was set up in 1997 and continues to be led by Anne Marcassus and Mathieu Vergne. The duo will now report to Banijay France CEO François de Brugada.

The Paris-based prodco has been behind French music entertainment shows such as La Chanson Secrète (The Secret Song), La Chanson Challenge (The Celebrity Song Challenge), La Lettre with Carson (Yours Sincerely) and Duos Mystères (Mystery Duets).

De Brugada said: “As we continue to widen our offering in France and cement our stronghold in the market, DMLS TV is the perfect addition. Aligned in our commitment to high-quality unscripted hits, Anne and Mathieu further bolster our entertainment and music catalogue and I’ve no doubt their titles have the capacity to travel the group worldwide.”

Marcassus and Vergne added in a joint statement: “As part of this partnership, we are looking forward to enjoying access to the business’s extensive catalogue to provide solutions to all our broadcast and streaming partners.

“This is also a wonderful opportunity for DMLS TV’s titles to travel the world, while we continue to be a home for artists and the volunteer executive producer of annual charity event Les Enfoirés, alongside a number of other projects.”