Banijay Group is in talks to merge with RedBird IMI, the owner of All3Media, in a move that would create one of the largest television production groups in the world. The potential deal is part of a wider trend of consolidation as independent producers combine forces to compete with global streaming giants such as Netflix and Disney.
What the proposed merger would do
The merger would pool two substantial content businesses, combining their studios, formats and distribution networks. That scale can give a new entity wider global reach and stronger negotiating power with broadcasters and streamers.
Key aims behind the talks
- Strengthen content libraries: A merged company would hold a larger catalogue of shows and formats, valuable for licensing and international sales.
- Boost bargaining power: Bigger production groups can negotiate better terms with streaming platforms and broadcasters for commissioning and distribution.
- Drive cost efficiencies: Consolidation often brings savings through shared overhead, joint production resources and streamlined operations.
- Expand creative reach: Combining talent rosters and creative teams can accelerate development of new formats and local productions across markets.
Why consolidation is happening now
Streaming platforms have reshaped how audiences watch television and how content is bought and sold. As global streamers invest heavily in original programming, production companies face pressure to keep up in both volume and scale. Mergers offer a way to respond quickly by creating entities that can produce more reliably for multiple platforms and territories.
Competition with streamers and broadcasters
Large streaming services often prefer working with partners who can supply high volumes of local and global content. A bigger production group can meet those needs more consistently, offering franchises, hit formats and ready-made distribution channels.
Industry implications
A combined Banijay–All3Media-style group would reshape competition in the production sector. Possible effects include:
- Fewer, larger suppliers: Broadcasters and streamers might face fewer independent production choices but gain reliable partners capable of large-scale output.
- Greater global footprint: International co-productions and format exports could increase, especially in markets where either party already has a presence.
- Impact on smaller indies: Independent producers could benefit from being acquired or could struggle to compete on scale, depending on market dynamics.
Challenges and risks for the merger
While scale brings advantages, combining major companies also carries risks that could slow or block a deal.
- Regulatory scrutiny: Competition authorities may review the deal to ensure it does not reduce market choice or harm competition, particularly in key markets.
- Cultural integration: Merging creative organisations requires careful handling of leadership, production cultures and brand identities.
- Financial and operational hurdles: Aligning contracts, debt positions and distribution agreements is complex and time-consuming.
- Talent retention: Protecting relationships with showrunners, producers and on-screen talent will be crucial to maintaining output quality.
What to watch next
Key signals to follow include regulatory filings, statements from the companies involved, and any changes in content commissioning patterns from major streamers and broadcasters. The timeline for such a large deal can be lengthy—negotiations, due diligence and approvals often take months.
Bottom line
The talks between Banijay Group and RedBird IMI to combine with All3Media reflect a strategic response to a shifting media landscape. If completed, the merger would create a dominant production house better positioned to serve global streamers and broadcasters. But the path ahead includes regulatory checks, integration challenges and market reactions that will determine whether the potential benefits outweigh the risks.