Bell Media has announced that it has bolstered its existing partnership with Montréal-based Sphere Media by acquiring a majority stake in leading global content distributor Sphere Abacus, through parent company Sphere Media International. The acquisition serves as a launchpad for Bell Media’s content distribution expansion, combining the strength of the two companies to accelerate growth and capitalize on new opportunities. Through Sphere Abacus, Bell Media is set to enhance the reach of Canadian content and creators with international audiences.

As part of the acquisition, UK-based Sphere Abacus becomes the primary international distributor of Bell Media’s owned distribution rights, which enables Bell Media to participate more broadly in the creative value chain. Sphere Abacus continues to be led by Managing Director, Jonathan Ford.

“Late last year, we set the expansion of our global content distribution business as a core strategic priority. It’s gratifying to see that vision realized through our partnership with Sphere Media and Sphere Abacus,” said Sean Cohan, President, Bell Media. “We look forward to continued collaboration with Bruno, Jonathan, and their teams to further grow Sphere Abacus with compelling, global, and profitable storytelling. We’re just getting started.”

“The arrival of Bell Media will enable Sphere Abacus to significantly accelerate its vision of international expansion in content acquisition and exploitation, with the aim of positioning the company among the industry leaders. I would like to thank Sean Cohan and the Bell Media team for their confidence and support.” said Bruno Dubé, CEO Sphere Media.

Jonathan Ford added, “Sphere Abacus prides itself on listening carefully to our customers to understand their changing programme needs, and the support of Bell Media will help us to further invest to service these.  Accelerating the acquisition of high-quality content from Canada and other territories, and broadening our relationships with more creators and producers will allow us to offer an even greater range of premium programming.”

Following the close of the acquisition, the combined Sphere Abacus and Bell Media catalogue will feature more than 5,500 hours of premium content, including powerhouse titles such as THE MIGHTIEST, SORT OF, LATE BLOOMER,  DEEP FAKE, SMALL ACHIEVABLE GOALS, THE FAMILY NEXT DOOR, SCRUBLANDS, MAKING MANSON, LEAVING NEVERLAND 2: SURVIVING MICHAEL JACKSON, PAID IN FULL: THE BATTLE FOR BLACK MUSIC, and MARK MCKINNEY NEEDS A HOBBY

The transaction is set to close in the coming weeks.