Keshet Int’l underscores commitment to UK market after selling Greenbird Media

Noah Emmerich and Uma Thurman in thriller Suspicion

Distributor Keshet International (KI) has emphasised its continuing commitment to the UK market after selling its 60% stake in indie production group Greenbird Media to STV Studios this morning.

The Israeli company acquired its majority stake in the company five years ago but that stake – as well as the 40% held by Greenbird management team Jamie Munro, Stuart Mullin and Karen Smith – has been acquired by the Scottish media company for £21.4m (US$27.2m).

STV Studios now owns 100% of Greenbird, including its majority and minority interests in 15 UK prodcos but no longer including Keshet UK.

Keren Shahar

“We’ve had great five years working alongside Jamie and Stuart, the Greenbird team and the talented indies within their stable to take all their businesses to the next level. We wish them all the best with their future endeavours,” said Keren Shahar, CEO at KI.

A KI representative said the sale not only enables the next stage of Greenbird’s development, its proceeds also allow KI’s continued growth as a global content producer and distributor, with an increased focus on scripted content.

The company’s current UK productions include a UK adaptation of Kuma Studios’ Israeli hit A Body That Works, while recent titles include False Flag remake Suspicion for Apple TV+.

KI confirmed that Christine Healy, recently appointed chief operating officer at Keshet UK, will take over the reins after current MD Munro moves over to become chief commercial officer at STV Studios after a three-month handover period.

The Keshet staff who currently work at the Greenbird offices in London will continue there until the end of the year, after which they will relocate to a new London office for KI and Keshet UK.

Christine Healy

“The UK remains a key market for KI, and one that KI is fully committed to, having recently appointed Christine Healy as COO of its British scripted indie Keshet UK. The Keshet UK team will continue to develop their strong slate of projects for the UK market, while Jamie Munro completes his handover to Christine to take up his new role within STV Studios,” added the KI spokesperson.

KI will also continue to represent shows produced by Greenbird companies, such as The Hit List and Killer Camp from Tuesday’s Child, and Crackit’s Trucking Hell and Bad Habits Holy Orders.