Banijay Entertainment
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television production and distribution |
| Founded | 1 January 2008 in Paris, France |
| Founder | Stéphane Courbit |
| Headquarters | Amsterdam , Netherlands |
Area served | Worldwide (23 countries) |
Key people | Stéphane Courbit (Founder), Marco Bassetti (CEO) |
| Products | Television content creation and distribution, including franchises such as Big Brother, Survivor, Deal or No Deal, Temptation Island, MasterChef, Don't Forget the Lyrics!, Hunted |
| Owner | Banijay Group N.V. |
Number of employees | Not specified |
| Parent | Banijay Group N.V. |
Banijay Entertainment S.A.—previously known as Banijay Group and later simply Banijay—is a French-based global television production and distribution enterprise, acknowledged as the largest international content creator and distributor worldwide. With operations spanning over 130 production entities in 23 countries, it oversees a diverse catalogue exceeding 185,000 hours of original programming. Founded in Paris in January 2008 by Stéphane Courbit, former head of Endemol France, the company has evolved into a business generating €3.2 billion in revenue. Banijay Entertainment functions as a subsidiary of Banijay Group N.V., headquartered in Amsterdam.
The organization has grown significantly through strategic acquisitions such as Zodiak Media in 2016, Endemol Shine Group in 2020—coinciding with its current naming—and Beyond International in 2022. Its extensive portfolio includes renowned unscripted television franchises like Big Brother, Survivor, Deal or No Deal, Temptation Island, MasterChef, Don't Forget the Lyrics!, and Hunted.
History
Banijay Entertainment was launched in January 2008 through a series of acquisitions beginning domestically in France before expanding internationally. The initiative was spearheaded by Stéphane Courbit, former CEO of Endemol France, alongside partners including Groupe Arnault, the Agnelli and De Agostini families, and AMS Industries. Its inaugural acquisition was Nagui’s Air Productions, which was rebranded as Banijay Production Media in 2018.
In early 2009, Banijay divested its Spanish subsidiary El Terrat back to founder Andreu Buenafuente but shortly thereafter secured a majority 51% stake in Spanish producer Cuarzo Producciones. By mid-2009, the company extended its footprint into Germany by acquiring half ownership of Brainpool TV and simultaneously entered the U.S. market with the launch of Angel City Factory alongside producers Chris Cowen and Jean-Michel Michenaud.
October 2009 marked Banijay’s foray into Scandinavia through the acquisition of Nordisk Film TV from the Egmont Group, incorporating subsidiaries such as Respirator and Solar Television—representing its initial investment in Scandinavian production companies. In January 2010, Banijay purchased UK indie Zig Zag Productions but reversed this acquisition later that year by selling it back to its co-founders, temporarily withdrawing from the UK market.
March 2010 saw Banijay establish its distribution arm, Banijay International, while also expanding U.S. operations by acquiring Bunim/Murray Productions. By April 2012, Banijay consolidated its U.S. presence by closing Angel City Factory and centralizing development activities within Bunim/Murray.
In September 2012, Banijay ventured into Australia and New Zealand by acquiring a controlling interest in Screentime and a minority stake in Irish producer Shinawil (the latter divested in 2015). That same year, French celebrity channel Non Stop People and Cyril Hanouna’s H2O Productions joined the group’s portfolio.
April 2013 brought Marco Bassetti, formerly an Endemol executive, into the role of CEO as Banijay acquired majority control of Italian producer Ambra Multimedia—marking entry into Italy. In July 2013, Banijay expanded its scripted content offerings in Spain by purchasing DLO Producciones.
In April 2014, Banijay inaugurated Banijay Studios North America based in Los Angeles under David Goldberg, ex-Endemol North America executive. January 2015 saw the acquisition of a controlling stake in U.S.-based Stephen David Entertainment; this stake was returned to founder Stephen David in June 2025 while maintaining ongoing development collaborations.
Mid-2015 negotiations culminated in a merger with Swedish-French Zodiak Media finalized by early 2016, creating the world’s largest independent television production and distribution entity. This merger incorporated brands such as RDF Television and Jarowskij into Banijay’s portfolio, reestablished presence in the UK market, and expanded into animation through Zodiak Kids. During this period, Vivendi became a shareholder.
In July 2016, Banijay supported Italian start-up Dry alongside former Magnolia executives to bolster its Italian market presence. January 2017 witnessed the rebranding of Zodiak Rights to Banijay Rights to unify international sales operations.
British scripted content expanded with the launch of BlackLight Television in May 2017; shortly after, Castaway Television Productions—the owner of Survivor—was acquired in July along with the launch of Fearless Minds, another UK scripted label.
January 2018 marked the debut of Neon Ink Productions focusing on British drama under former ITV Studios leadership. Concurrently, Banijay acquired French digital firm Shauna Events to enhance digital capabilities. February saw the purchase of British factual producer 7Wonder; its founders remained at the helm while severing ties with Australia’s Seven Network.
March 2018 introduced Banijay Productions Germany led by Arno Schneppenheim. In April, a partnership with Indian producer Deepak Dhar established Banijay Asia targeting Indian and Southeast Asian markets. June witnessed the creation of Banijay Studios Italy dedicated to scripted productions under Massimo Del Frate.
October 2018 involved advanced negotiations for acquiring Dutch production powerhouse Endemol Shine Group; completed by October 2019 for $2.2 billion, this significantly broadened Banijay’s global footprint across 22 territories. Soon after acquisition, French drama producer Terence Films joined the group.
June 2019 featured Banijay Germany’s acquisition of Good Times production company; October brought a joint venture with Bear Grylls forming The Natural Studios for adventure programming distributed globally via Banijay Rights.
In November 2019, Italian entities DryMedia and Magnolia SPA merged into Banijay Italia under Fabrizio Ievolella’s leadership; December included acquiring Funwood Media to strengthen Spanish and Italian drama offerings.
The European Commission granted approval for the Endemol Shine acquisition in July 2020; following completion, Endemol Shine was integrated into Banijay operations while preserving many label identities. The company rebranded to "Banijay" accompanied by a refreshed logo shortly thereafter. August included a first-look deal with Nineteen11.
September 2020 involved acquiring majority ownership of Germany's SR Management GmbH and launching Banijay Brands for commercial ventures led by Owain Walbyoff. November introduced Marathon Studio in France to increase scripted production capacity.
January 2021 launched Rainer Laux Productions specializing in German reality content. April added Banijay Live Artist Brand focusing on live entertainment and talent management; French animation studio Monello Productions was also acquired under Zodiak Kids.
May expanded German documentary production with Doc.Banijay led by Marc Schlömer; later that year saw establishment of Good Humor fiction label. July introduced French talent agency Banijay Talent headed by Hugues Dangy alongside Iberian creative agency IMA led by Agus Cantero; Benelux division strengthened sports content through acquisition of Dutch sports producer Southfields.
September 2021 launched Latin American/U.S. Hispanic studio Banijay Mexico & U.S. Hispanic under Marie Leguizamo; October debuted UK scripted label Double Dutch managed by Iona Vrolyk; November consolidated children’s labels into Banijay Kids & Family division with brand licensing overseen by Banijay Brands.
December secured distribution deal with Viaplay for Nordic premium drama titles.
February 2022 saw Endemol Shine Boomdog establish a post-production studio; Yasuke Production formed concentrating on sports content; partnership forged with French producer Alain Goldman via Pitchipoï Productions.
March expanded Italian scripted operations through acquisition of Groenlandia Group including labels Ascent Film and Lynn with founders Matteo Rovere and Sydney Sibilia continuing leadership roles.
April partnered with Pokeepsie Films to enhance premium scripted output via Banijay Iberia.
May announced intentions to go public through SPAC investment vehicle.
July acquired Sony Pictures Television Germany from Sony Pictures Television to extend German production capabilities; renamed Noisy Pictures upon completion in October retaining previous management team.
October reached agreement to acquire Australian production firm Beyond International; acquisition finalized December 2022 with Beyond subsequently delisted from ASX early 2023. Shortly thereafter, UK division purchased Mam Tor Productions to augment British scripted slate.
December acquired Brazilian studio A Fábrica under Banijay Americas umbrella.
January 2023 increased Belgian scripted presence via majority stake acquisition in Jonnydepony through Banijay Benelux.
February formed partnership with LaLiga launching LaLiga Studios dedicated to football-related content.
June signed agreement acquiring majority stake in Balich Wonder Studio enhancing live entertainment expertise; simultaneously launched French scripted label Screen Line Productions led by Alexia Laroche-Joubert and Frédéric Lussato. Parent company FL Entertainment initiated live events division Banijay Events headed by François de Brugada. UK division invested in London-based drama producer Rabbit Track Pictures featuring James Norton and Kitty Kaletsky.
July rebranded German marketing agency division as Banijay Media Germany under Ingrid Langheld and Daniel Durst establishing new strategic pillars: House of Brands, House of Likes, House of Rights.
October 2023 witnessed Cris Abrego and Eva Longoria founding Hyphenate Media Group supported by strategic investment from Banijay leadership Stéphane Courbit and Marco Bassetti aimed at developing creator-driven original programming.
Banijay introduced "Banijay Launch," a global accelerator initiative supporting female creators developing unscripted formats.
October also included investment in Esmerelda—a UK scripted venture founded by Sir Lenny Henry focused on diversity-led drama and comedy—with Jon Sen appointed Joint Managing Director.
January 2024 saw former Beyond International owner Mikael Borglund reacquire operational assets of Beyond Productions while Banijay retained pre-2022 catalogue rights plus a five-year first-look distribution agreement for new productions.
May 2024 marked rebranding back to Banijay Entertainment coinciding with FL Entertainment's renaming as Banijay Group. This encompassed production, distribution, and live events divisions including Balich Wonder Studio alongside minority investment The Independents specializing in institutional ceremonies across sports, luxury goods, and fashion sectors—all under CEO Marco Bassetti’s leadership.
September 2024 acquisitions included majority stake purchase of French animation studio Procidis within Kids & Family division; establishment of premium documentary label BD4 led by former ESPN producer Daniel Silver under Banijay Americas; Nordic operations restructured merging Jarowskij, Yellow Bird, and Meter Television into streamlined scripted/unscripted divisions headed by Elin Kvist as CEO.
October launched Spanish sports division Banijay Iberia Sports managed by Gonzalo Miró aiming to enhance domestic sports content offerings.
January 2025 acquisition of multimedia live experience producer Lotchi broadened live entertainment portfolio followed by creation of IP development unit Banijay Live Studio focused on games and exhibitions formats.
March merged French scripted arms Shine Fiction and Banijay Studios France into single entity led by Shine Fiction aiming at premium scripted content growth.
April reports indicated early-stage discussions regarding potential takeover bid for British broadcaster ITV plc.
Programmes
Banijay Entertainment delivers a wide array of television shows and formats designed to appeal to diverse audience segments. Among the prominent titles produced by its various subsidiaries are:
- 1 vs 100
- 5 Million Money Drop
- Aarya
- All Together Now
- Beat Bugs
- Beauty and the Geek
- Big Brother
- Bigg Boss
- The Biggest Loser
- Black Mirror
- Capital
- Deal or No Deal
- Drag Race France and its spin-off Drag Race France All Stars
- Fear Factor
- Fort Boyard
- Got to Dance
- Grantchester
- How to Look Good Naked
- The Island with Bear Grylls
- Keeping Up with the Kardashians
- LEGO Masters
- Love It or List It
- MasterChef
- Mr. Bean
- MythBusters
- Peaky Blinders
- Pointless
- Popstars
- SAS: Rogue Heroes
- Secret Story
- Star Academy
- Survivor
- Temptation Island
- Totally Spies!
- Would I Lie to You?
Assets
Banijay Entertainment holds an extensive portfolio of production entities and studios across major international markets:
| Region/Country | Units |
|---|---|
| France |
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| Germany |
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| Israel |
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| Italy |
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| Benelux |
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| Nordic countries |
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| Spain and Portugal |
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| United Kingdom |
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| United States |
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| Latin America |
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| Australia and New Zealand |
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| Asia |
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| Other countries |
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| International |
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Units previously owned or divested include Angel City Factory (US), Artists Studio (UK), Baba Funny League (France), Blockbuster Media (Netherlands), Bwark Productions (UK), Castaway Television Productions (UK), Depeche Prod (France), Fearless Minds (UK), Food Productions (France), Gétévé Productions (France), Human Factor Television Productions (Netherlands), Mag5 (Sweden), Mastiff Russia, Meter Television (Sweden), Neon Ink Productions (UK), Pineapple Entertainment (Denmark), RDF Television group including Zeppotron labels (UK), Sharp Jack TV (UK), Shauna Events talent agency sold in 2022, Shinawil Ireland stake sold in 2015, Sol India, Stephen David Entertainment US divested after a ten-year partnership, STO-CPH Sweden, Tooco France sold in 2024, WeiT Media Russia, Wonder UK, YAM 112003 Italy and Yellow Bird Sweden among others.