The deal sees FremantleMedia take a 100 per cent stake in FourOne Media, adding scale to the company’s Dutch production arm Blue Circle and expanding its catalogue offering to incorporate drama, fiction and sitcoms.
Simon Spalding, Regional CEO, Europe and Asia-Pacific says: “FourOne Media has developed a unique position in Holland, carving out strong relationships with networks and producing content with a wide audience appeal. FourOne Media has built a formidable drama and fiction offering, and we hope to further build on the company’s outstanding track-record in the industry,”
Under the leadership of its founder Willem Zijlstra, FourOne Media has built key relationships with several Dutch networks including SBS, Public KRO, Public NCRV and MTV, delivering popular drama and sitcoms including S1ngle, which airs daily on Net5!, and Scoots and Helmets for MTV.
Willem Zijlstra will take on the role as Managing Director for both FourOne and Blue Circle. Willem will report to Monica Galer, Head of Northern and Southern Europe, FremantleMedia. Monica Galer says, “FremantleMedia’s acquisition of FourOne enhances Blue Circle’s position in the market by moving us into new areas of production as we pick-up a fantastic catalogue of fiction and drama. I’m delighted to welcome Willem and the rest of the FourOne Media team to the FremantleMedia family.”
The acquisition of FourOne Media is another example of FremantleMedia’s continued investment in European production. FourOne Media will become a part of FremantleMedia’s global network, benefiting from the experience and expertise of rolling out unique productions and creating inspiring entertainment for audiences.