Pan-European content creator and producer Asacha Media Group (AMG) has taken a majority stake in Death in Paradise producer Red Planet Pictures in the UK.

The acquisition, financial details of which were not disclosed, marks AMG’s latest decision to expand its presence in the UK, following its agreement with factual London-based producer and distributor Wag Entertainment in February.

Asacha and Red Planet also plan to expand their businesses in emerging markets by combining established British writing skills with strong local histories.

This includes regions such as the Middle East and Eastern Europe, where Red Planet founder Tony Jordan created dramas such as Besa for Serbian TV and Al Mirath for MBC.

Former Endemol Shine executive Marina Williams, former Banijay Gaspard de Chavagnac executive and former Zodiak Media CEO Marc-Antoine d’Halluin formed AMG in April last year.

Supported by the American financial group Oaktree Captial Management, it launched with the acquisition of majority stakes in three existing production companies: the Italian Picomedia and Stand By Me, and the French prodco Mintee Studio.

Red Planet, which was advised by Helion Partners on the AMG deal, will now pursue co-productions and local adaptations with the AMG network across Europe.

Tony jordan

The deal comes as Red Planet expands its list of dramatic productions. These include the BBC’s long-running mysterious murder streak Death in Paradise, which is set to enter its 12th season and has sold in over 230 markets, and Sanditon, an adaptation of an unfinished novel by Jane Austen. by Andrew Davies for Masterpiece in the United States. and BritBox UK.

The company, which is headed by CEOs Belinda Campbell and Alex Jones, was founded in 2006 by multi-award winning showrunner Jordan, who is now executive chairman. Jordan, Campbell and Jones will become minority shareholders of AMG as a result of the agreement.

Red Planet was advised by Tom Manwaring of Helion Partners on its acquisition by AMG.

De Chavagnac and Williams, co-CEOs of AMG, said in a joint statement: “One year on from the launch of Asacha Media Group, we are delighted to further strengthen our presence in the UK by acquiring Red Planet Pictures.

Belinda Campbell

“Under the leadership of Tony, Belinda and Alex, the Red Planet team have achieved an outstanding record of producing hits that captivate a global audience. This acquisition will strengthen our ability to serve major platforms around the world and is another important step in AMG’s roadmap to becoming a leading European content provider.

Campbell and Jones added in a joint statement, “In Asacha, we have found a partner with whom we can pursue our ambitions in producing high quality popular drama that resonates on the global stage.

“By working with Marina and Gaspard, we will not only benefit from a wider network in EMEA and beyond, but also from like-minded creators and the extended AMG family for exciting co-production opportunities. “

Jordan said: “We found a real connection with Marina and Gaspard as well as in Asacha’s ambition and philosophy. The group fits perfectly, both creatively and commercially. I’m excited to work together, to create stories that will connect with audiences around the world.