FremantleMedia Takes Full Ownership of Blu

LONDON: FremantleMedia has bought out the remaining 25-percent stake in Danish production outfit Blu, in which it now holds 100-percent ownership.

FremantleMedia has been a majority share holder since 2005. Blu was founded by Henrik Hancke Nielsen, who is now an executive producer at FremantleMedia North America. The company has been a market leader in Denmark and Sweden, with credits that include X Factor, Idols, Farmer Wants a Wife, Hole in the Wall, Star Search and Take Me Out.

Nielsen commented: “Blu is a highly creative market leader which has operated as part of the FremantleMedia global network for some years. We have enjoyed a very successful partnership over the years, and this investment is the final step towards bringing Blu into the FremantleMedia family.”

Simon Spalding, the regional CEO for Europe and Asia Pacific at FremantleMedia, added: “Blu has gone from strength to strength, and we’re delighted to increase our investment in the company, making it a wholly owned part of FremantleMedia. This is a further demonstration of our absolute confidence in Blu’s continued ability to bring inspiring entertainment to audiences in Denmark, Sweden and beyond.”