ITV Purchases Graham Norton’s So Television

LONDON: The indie production outfit So Television, behind hit comedy programming such as The Graham Norton Show, has been acquired by ITV.

ITV will pay £10 million with a further cash payment contingent on So Television’s profit performance to July 31, 2016. The max. consideration is £17 million.

Graham Norton and Graham Stuart set up So Television 12 years ago. The company produces a range of comedy, entertainment, factual and drama programming.

Denise O’Donoghue, the managing director of ITV Studios UK, said: “So Television is known for its creative rigor and intense quality-control across its programming, whether that is its crown jewel, The Graham Norton Show, or its newer but no less brilliant The Sarah Millican Television Programme.  

“Its programming presence on other channels is strategically terrific for ITV Studios, which has increased its output this year with new shows across the BBC, Channel 4 and Sky. I am really looking forward to having So as part of ITV Studios, working with Graham Stuart and his team to add even more value to this dynamic and successful production company.”
 
Kevin Lygo, the managing director of ITV Studios, added: “So Television and Graham Norton have been making high-quality programs for many years now. I believe that ITV Studios can bring scale to their ambitions and together we can continue to keep The Graham Norton Show at the top of its game and increase the amount of new programming in their production slate.
 
“This is an important acquisition for ITV Studios and demonstrates our strategy to increase our capability in the production of high quality television entertainment programming.”
 
Norton said: “So TV has been our baby for 12 years, so I’m thrilled that the ITV family has decided to take it under their wing and help it blossom.”
 
Stuart commented: “We are incredibly excited to be starting a new chapter in the So story with ITV Studios. Now we have the chance to achieve what we’ve always wanted to in this industry but with real strength and inspiration behind us.”