IMG Seeks Potential Deal with Mark Burnett's Reality-TV Company
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Forstmann Spearheading Talks
For Mark Burnett Productions |
IMG is "in talks to acquire at least part" of Mark Burnett Productions (MBP), according to Hibberd & Nordyke of the HOLLYWOOD REPORTER. Though parameters of the potential deal “are still unclear … an indicator of the potential deal with IMG is that the negotiations with Burnett are being spearheaded” by IMG Chair & CEO Ted Forstmann. MBP has “met with a range of potential buyers,” and sources said that “at least half [of MBP] is up for sale.” Since former HBO Chair & CEO Chris Albrecht was hired in September as IMG Global Media President and was given "access to a $250[M] private-equity fund for acquisitions and investments,” IMG has made "growth in TV a major priority.” IMG also “has been in the market for a successful reality production company.” IMG has already met with Bunim/Murray and the Gurin Co., and in April agreed to a deal with Glassman Media to “partner on producing and distributing unscripted series” (HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, 6/23).
FOX BOX: The HOLLYWOOD REPORTER’s Paul Gough reports IMG Sports Media, which has staff in 30 countries, will take over global distribution of Fox Sports Int’l (FSI) programming and “sell the programming on a commission basis beginning July 1.” The programming had previously “been sold outside of the U.S. by an in-house [FSI] unit based in London.” FSI has the int'l rights to the BCS, the Cotton Bowl, Big Ten and Pac-10 football and basketball, Fuel TV and domestic Fox Soccer Channel programming (HOLLYWOOD REPORTER, 6/23).
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