BBC Studios Acquires STV

BBC Studios has acquired STV, an award-winning pan-Scandinavian production company.

The acquisition will build on the company's existing production capabilities and expand its footprint and presence in the region. The acquisition of STV is in response to the growing appetite and opportunity for BBC content in the market.

Based in Copenhagen with offices in both Norway and Sweden, STV's team of experienced producers are responsible for developing successful factual entertainment formats such as Big Love and Get Lost Honey. STV also act as local producer for critically acclaimed Long Lost Family, Wheel of Fortune and Bargain King, in addition to long-running scripted series The First Years across Denmark, Norway and Sweden. BBC Studios and STV have an established relationship, partnering on original IP, Denmark Saves the Planet for TV2 and the ongoing development of a local version of The Office.

STV's three existing bases will be rebranded as BBC Studios Nordic Productions and the regional MD, Daniel Svarts, will report into Jan Salling, Head of BBC Studios Nordic. BBC Studios Nordic Productions will produce local adaptations of the unscripted and scripted formats in the BBC Studios catalogue, in addition to developing original IP for a local and global audience. BBC Studios will also distribute and produce STV formats outside of Scandinavia.

Matt Forde, Managing Director of International Production and Formats at BBC Studios said: "There is a huge affinity and affection in the region for the BBC brand and a growing demand for our content locally. Establishing a wide ranging production presence in the region has been a long-held ambition and a natural evolution for the business after several years of successful format licensing and co-production. Becoming a fully-independent local producer will allow us to have wider creative conversations and to act on the opportunity to develop and export original creative IP from Scandinavia to the wider international market. This acquisition cements us as an international producer of scale."

Jacob DeBoer, EVP International Production and Formats at BBC Studios said: "We are thrilled that the incredibly talented team at STV are joining forces with us to become BBC Studios Nordic Productions. They are an exceptionally creative team with an excellent track record and with Jan at the helm of our newest production house, we can't wait to bring our ideas to broadcasters and platforms in Scandinavia and beyond."

René Szczyrbak Founder of STV said: "STV has been my baby and my business for thirty six years. To pass on the company was a major decision, but handing over the keys to BBC Studios feels right and makes me extremely proud as the BBC brand has always been synonymous with outstanding quality. I’m equally proud that the entire management team under the leadership of Daniel Svarts will remain in place to provide continuity for our important relationships in the market. I will continue to support the team and the company in any way possible."

BBC Studios Nordic Productions joins a growing international production network with bases spanning 10 countries. Responsible for producing local adaptations of brands such as Dancing With The Stars, The Great Bake Off, Weakest Link, Luther, Doctor Foster and Ghosts, original productions include EMMY award-winning Life Below Zero for National Geographic, Murder Amongst the Mormons for Netflix, Space 22 for ABC, Breaking Point for RTL and Homegrown Tastes South Africa for BBC Lifestyle.

www.bbc.co.uk