Red Arrow Entertainment Group today announced the acquisition of a majority shareholding in CPL, one of the UK’s most dynamic entertainment production companies. The deal represents the first investment by Red Arrow in the strategically important UK non-scripted market, in which CPL has had great success as suppliers of hit entertainment and factual entertainment shows to major UK broadcasters.
CPL is one of the most successful independent TV and radio production companies in the UK. Its output spans primetime entertainment, comedy and factual entertainment. An impressive roster of hit shows includes Sky One’s “A League of Their Own” and “When the Dog Dies”, starring Ronnie Corbett for BBC Radio 4.
The senior management team, comprising Danielle Lux, Murray Boland, Heather Hampson and Janet Oakes, will continue to lead the company through this exciting new phase, with Red Arrow UK´s Managing Directors, James Baker and Joel Denton, joining the CPL Board.
An exclusive first look deal allowing CPL access to Red Arrow’s growing slate of successful formats will also give CPL a key strategic advantage in the UK market.
New formats and those finished shows produced by CPL will be sold worldwide by SevenOne International in a deal that brings the indie into the heart of one of the most powerful global production and distribution groups.
Jan Frouman, Group Managing Director of Red Arrow, said: “We´re delighted to be building what is a hugely exciting partnership with CPL. As it has been since the start, Red Arrow´s strategy is to partner with the best talent in key production markets around the world. CPL has proven to be outstanding at producing hit shows of the highest quality. As for the UK – if you´re serious about global production and distribution, you´re there.”
CPL Managing Director, Danielle Lux, added: “This deal puts CPL at the heart of a group of the world’s best producers and format creators as well as a powerful global distributor. Access to the world market is key to this next phase in CPL’s growth; Red Arrow will take our new formats out into the world and we will bring the best of theirs into the UK.”
CPL engaged corporate advisers About Corporate Finance (ACF) and media law firm Wiggin LLP to advise on the deal with Addleshaw Goddard LLP as advisors to the shareholders.