ITV Studios acquires Armoza Formats

ITV Studios has grown its stable of production companies by acquiring Israeli formats specialist Armoza Formats.

Avi Armoza

ITV Studios has taken full ownership of Armoza in a deal that will see the latter become part of ITV Studios’ global creative network, headed by Mike Beale. Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.

Founded by Avi Armoza, one of Israel’s leading television developers and distributors, Armoza’s catalogue contains more than 100 formats.

Titles include primetime singing show The Four and gameshow Still Standing, as well as primetime studio entertainment format I Can Do That!.

The Armoza team, based in Tel Aviv, will continue to develop and source new formats and also work with producers within the ITV Studios group on their projects in development.

ITV Studios labels will exclusively produce all newly developed Armoza formats in territories where it has a presence.

Maria Kyriacou, president of ITV Studios International, said: “Armoza Formats has rapidly grown to be one of the top independent creators and distributors of global entertainment hits. This is a unique opportunity to work with Avi and his team and combine his expertise with ITV’s presence and reach to undoubtedly create many more hits of the future.”

Avi Armoza added: “Armoza always strives to be at the forefront of creativity and stay ahead of the challenges in our industry, and we are therefore thrilled to be joining ITV Studios. We both share the same values and passion for success through creativity and strongly believe that ITV Studios are the perfect partner for the next stage of the company’s evolution.”

Armoza’s catalogue comprises a mixture of in-house and third-party formats, including primetime dance competition Dance Revolution, now in production for a second season on TVA, and scripted drama Hostages.