Banijay To Acquire Sony Pictures Television Germany

Jesse Whittock
·2 min read

Banijay has struck a deal to buy Sony Pictures Television Germany.

Under terms of the deal, Sony Pictures Television Germany bosses Astrid Quentell and Mirek Nitsch remain in position, but the company will undergo a name change as it joins Banijay Germany’s portfolio of labels.

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Based in Cologne, Sony Pictures Television Germany is behind shows such as Die Höhle der Löwen (on Vox since 2014); dramedy Der Lehrer (which has had nine seasons on RTL); and ZDF crime series Heldt.

Marcus Wolter, CEO, Banijay Germany said: “It is with great pleasure that I welcome Astrid, Mirek, and their team, to the Banijay family. With its strong format brands and high production values, the entity certainly fits perfectly into our group. We have always believed in maintaining the independence and individuality of our labels in order to shape the future of entertainment together, and with the power of this group behind them, we have every confidence, the company will thrive in its new home.”

Founded in 2018 by former Endemol Shine Germany boss Wolter and Banijay, Banijay Germany is one of the country’s biggest production businesses. Its 20 labels include Banijay Productions Germany, Good Times Fernsehproduktion, Endemol Shine Germany, MadeFor, Only Good People, Good Humor and Brainpool. Key titles include Tatort Dresden, Schlag den Star (Beat the Star), TV Total, Wer wird Millionär? (Who Wants to be a Millionaire?) The Masked Singer and Promi Big Brother (Celebrity Big Brother).

“Under a new flag, so to speak, and with a great tailwind, we will be able to continue and expand our successful, and always exciting, history with our entire team,” said Quentell, Managing Director of Sony Pictures Television Germany.

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