Abu Dhabi-backed RedBird IMI has officially completed its merger of Banijay Entertainment and All3Media, creating one of the world’s largest independent entertainment companies. The deal establishes a global content producer with operations spanning 25 territories and marks a significant move in Abu Dhabi’s strategy to expand its influence in the international media industry.
Quick Facts
- Projected revenue of $4.9 billion in 2025.
- Operations across 25 international territories.
- Combined content catalog of over 265,000 hours.
A New Global Content Powerhouse
The newly formed entity, jointly owned by Banijay Group and RedBird IMI, will be headquartered in London. The leadership team includes Jeff Zucker as chairman, Marco Bassetti as CEO, and Jane Turton as deputy CEO.
The merger combines two massive content libraries, bringing global franchises like MasterChef, Big Brother, The Traitors, Survivor, and Peaky Blinders under one roof. Financially, the business is projected to generate $4.9 billion in revenue and $800 million in adjusted EBITDA in 2025. The company also anticipates achieving approximately $60 million in cost synergies within the first year.
Abu Dhabi’s Expanding Media Footprint
This transaction highlights the UAE’s growing ambition in the global media and entertainment sectors. RedBird IMI, a joint venture between New York’s RedBird Capital Partners and Abu Dhabi’s IMI Media Group, has been actively acquiring international media assets.
“The UAE is a great place to both do business and to do business with,” said Jeff Zucker, who serves as CEO of RedBird IMI and Chairman of the new Banijay Entertainment.
Zucker confirmed that the merged company plans to increase its production activities within the Emirates, noting that the country has become “an exciting place to do production.”
He added, “We have a number of productions going on in the UAE itself right now, and those are going to continue through the new company.”
About RedBird IMI
RedBird IMI is an investment vehicle focused on acquiring and building high-growth companies in media, entertainment, and sports. It is a joint venture between RedBird Capital Partners, a New York-based private investment firm, and International Media Investments (IMI), an Abu Dhabi-based media group.
Source: Fast Company Middle East
