‘Sanditon,’ ‘Death in Paradise’ Producer Red Planet Pictures Acquired by Asacha Media Group

Paris-headquartered content creator Asacha Media Group (AMG) has acquired a majority stake in the U.K.’s Red Planet Pictures, producers of hit shows “Sanditon” and “Death in Paradise.”

Red Planet, led by joint MDs, Belinda Campbell and Alex Jones, was founded in 2006 by showrunner Tony Jordan, who now serves as executive chair. The deal will see Red Planet Pictures tap into AMG’s pan-European network of leading producers to further pursue local adaptations and co-productions, and also grow their business in emerging markets like the Middle East and Eastern Europe, where Jordan has created long running dramas “Besa” for Serbian Television and “Al Mirath” for MBC.

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Jordan, Campbell and Jones will become minority shareholders in AMG alongside funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P., founders and other managers of AMG’s production companies who also reinvested in the group.

With this investment, AMG is steadily increasing its U.K. footprint. In February, AMG acquired U.K. factual producer and distributor, WAG Entertainment.

AMG co-CEOs Gaspard de Chavagnac and Marina Williams said: “One year on from launching Asacha Media Group, we are excited to be further strengthening our U.K. presence by acquiring Red Planet Pictures. Under the leadership of Tony, Belinda and Alex, the Red Planet team has achieved an exceptional track record of producing returning hits that captivate global audiences. This acquisition will enhance our ability to serve leading platforms around the world and is another milestone in AMG’s roadmap to become a leading European content provider.”

“In Asacha we have found a partner with whom we can further our ambitions in producing high quality, popular drama that resonates on a global stage,” said Campbell and Jones. “Working with Marina and Gaspard, we will benefit from not only a wider network across EMEA and beyond, but also like-minded creatives and the extended AMG family for exciting co- production opportunities. We look forward to exciting times ahead.”

Jordan added: “We found a real connection with Marina and Gaspard and in Asacha’s ambition and philosophy. The group is a great fit both creatively and commercially. I’m excited to be working together, creating stories that will connect with audiences across the world.”

The move comes as Red Planet continues to build out a stable of returning shows, including BBC’s global hit “Death in Paradise,” commissioned for seasons 11 and 12, and PBS’ Masterpiece and BritBox U.K.’s “Sanditon,” which will come back for second and third seasons.

In addition, “Our House,” the thriller based on the best-selling novel by Louise Candlish and adapted by Simon Ashdown for ITV, begins filming this summer.

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

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