SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: Banijay Entertainment SAS has entered into a binding Scheme Implementation Deed (SID) to acquire Beyond International Limited for $0.7744 per Beyond share in cash.

If the conditions to the scheme are met and it is implemented, Beyond shareholders will receive $0.7744 cash per Beyond share, representing a 57% premium to the one-month volume weighted average price up to and including 30 September 2022.

Beyond is a leading international producer and manager of media content for distribution internationally by means of multiple platforms including AVOD, SVOD and broadcast. Beyond has two operating business segments – international media production and media rights management and distribution

Beyond International Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Mikael Borglund said: “The Beyond Board is very supportive of entering into the SID which would see the Company joining the Banijay group, thereby bolstering its standing in an increasingly competitive market.

This is a very exciting opportunity for the Company, and we look forward to collaborating on newfound opportunities with Banijay. At the same time, the transaction will allow the existing shareholders of Beyond to realise their investment in the business at a premium to its recent market price.”

Banijay is home to over 120 production companies across 22 territories, and a multi-genre catalogue boasting over 130,000 hours of original standout programming.

A collective of creative entrepreneurs, the group represents some of the biggest global brands including Survivor, Big Brother, Starstruck, Peaky Blinders, MasterChef, Rogue Heroes, Mr Bean, Hunted, Blow Up, Black Mirror, Marie Antoinette, Love Triangle and Limitless Win, among others.

Imagining and delivering high-quality multi-genre IP that was born locally and travels globally, the business offers the best stories told the best way.

Chief Executive Officer of Banijay Entertainment, Marco Bassetti said: “As content demand continues to soar, catalogue remains key, and in acquiring Beyond International, we would take our offering up considerably. Primarily bolstering our IP and production portfolio in the English-language and factual space, with Beyond’s complementary content, the deal can enhance our position as a leading go-to for clients and commercial partners alike.”