Paris/Sydney – International production conglomerate Banijay Group and leading Australian production company Screentime, have announced the conclusion of a deal which will see Banijay acquiring a majority stake in Screentime, its operations in New Zealand, and its interest in its affiliate company in Ireland.

The deal sees Banijay’s first entry into all three territories, extending its presence to eleven countries globally. Banijay’s distribution arm Banijay International will represent Screentime’s catalogue.

With this alliance, Banijay is set to draw on Screentime’s expertise in the production of high quality and long-running series such as Underbelly to forge a new presence in the scripted content market. Screentime will gain access to Banijay’s wide portfolio of formats for local adaption.

Screentime is also known for its international reality mega-hit Popstars, which has been produced in more than 50 territories and aired in over 100. A brand-new, refreshed version of Popstars will be launched at MIPCOM in October.