FremantleMedia buys FourOne

FremantleMedia has acquired Netherlands-based production company FourOne Media, adding scale to the company’s Dutch production arm Blue Circle and expanding its catalogue into drama, fiction and sitcoms.

“FourOne Media has developed a unique position in Holland, carving out strong relationships with networks and producing content with wide audience appeal. FourOne Media has built a formidable drama and fiction offering, and we hope to further build on the company’s outstanding track record in the industry,” said Simon Spalding, FremantleMedia’s CEO for Europe and Asia-Pacific.

Under its founder Willem Zijlstra, FourOne Media has built relationships with several Dutch broadcasters including SBS, KRO, NCRV and MTV, delivering drama and sitcoms including S1ngle, which airs daily on Net5!, and Scoots and Helmets for MTV.

FremantleMedia’s takeover of FourOne Media will see Willem Zijlstra take on the role of MD at both FourOne and Blue Circle, reporting to Monica Galer, head of Northern and Southern Europe at FremantleMedia.

Galer said: “FremantleMedia’s acquisition of FourOne enhances Blue Circle’s position in the market by moving us into new areas of production as we pick up a fantastic catalogue of fiction and drama. I’m delighted to welcome Willem and the rest of the FourOne Media team to the FremantleMedia family.”