Endemol Makes New U.S. Investment

LOS ANGELES/LONDON: Endemol has taken a majority stake in Authentic Entertainment, the U.S. unscripted producer behind such series as TLC’s Ace of Cakes and Toddlers & Tiaras and Bravo’s Flipping Out.

Based in Los Angeles, Authentic, founded by Lauren Lexton and Tom Rogan in 2000, is a leading producer of factual, reality and documentary formats, delivering some 200 hours per year to the likes of Bravo, Food Network, Sundance, Discovery, TLC and Animal Planet. "This acquisition further strengthens our presence in North America and represents another significant addition to our global network," said Ynon Kreiz, the chairman and CEO of the Endemol Group. "The agreement with Authentic Entertainment in the USA is in line with Endemol’s global growth strategy of combining organic growth and expansion through acquisitions. Authentic’s great portfolio of hit shows and strong creative track record will also significantly contribute to our plans for further growth in the U.S. cable space."

"Authentic Entertainment has proven itself to be an excellent developer and producer of nonscripted content, delivering hit shows to multiple networks," added David Goldberg, chairman of Endemol North America. "We have been following their growth over the last few years and were impressed by the variety and quality of their shows. This growth, and the versatility in their programming will only help to further diversify Endemol North America’s business."

Authentic’s Lexton said the deal "reinforces our position in the U.S. while also giving us the global leverage that comes with belonging to the Endemol network."

Endemol USA’s other investments include Original Media, 51 Minds and True Entertainment.