Federation Entertainment has re-entered the M&A path, acquiring a majority stake. Britannia, B.Ronson When Bulletproof Producer Vertigo Films was the first to be acquired in the UK.
French bureau When Around the world in 80 days The powerhouse has had a very acquisition-heavy year, and the move comes almost exactly 12 months after the Federation set up a British production company headed by two former eOne executives.
James Richardson and Allan Niblo’s Vertigo, launched 20 years ago, was behind hit features and more monster When Bronson. CEO Jane Moore joined in 2014 and after a successful Sky double, moved to television. Britannia When Bulletproof, The latter was canceled last year following allegations made against star Noel Clarke by 20 women, which he denies.
Vertigo is currently working on writing Jez Butterworth for Amazon Prime Video. mammalian 80’s gangster epic starring James Corden and Sally Hawkins a city called malice And a Sky Cinema movie that has yet to be announced.
The Federation’s founder, Pascal Breton, described Vertigo as “admirably reinventing itself to adapt to the competitive theatrical market and then to drama series with strong international potential.” One of the first and only successful British production companies.
“Vertigo’s pre-funding and international distribution expertise, combined with the Federation’s expertise in London, Los Angeles and Paris, will enable both the Federation and Vertigo to jointly bring more ambitious series and films to the UK and global markets. We should be able to,” he added.
Richardson, Niblo, and Moore described the Federation as “prolific”, giving them the opportunity to “expand and push forward with our ambitious plans at full speed.”
“Producing films and television programs for the global market is at the center of all our activities and when we were looking for an international distribution partner, our independent, rebellious and ambitious spirit I wanted to find a company to share. And found it in Pascal. Breton, Lionel Wuthan, and our friends in the Commonwealth are gold dust. “
Apart from its activities in the UK, Federation last year launched a joint venture in France in partnership with US studio Anonymous Content, opened in the US through new management and production company Animal Federation, and invested in independent French studio Robin & Co. Acquiring a majority stake, opens Glisk in Germany with veteran drama executives Philipp Steffens and Julie Link.
Tom Manwaring of Helion Partners advised Vertigo on the transaction.