Banijay Rights Acquires Funwood Media

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Banijay Rights has acquired Funwood Media, incorporating the company’s sub-brands Funwood Media Italia and Funwood Media Ibérica.

Through the deal, Banijay Group’s leading distribution arm is enhancing its distribution, production and licensing capabilities across Europe. Funwood Media, which operates primarily across Italy and Spain, works with Rai, Sky, Discovery, Paramount, Turner, TVE, Mediaset, A3 Media, MGM and Movistar+ as well as a number of regional outfits.

Funwood Media’s production credits currently include the kids’ series Monica Chef and the cop thriller La Sala. Its licensing and merchandising portfolio features Daniel Tiger, Atari, Animal Planet, Godzilla and Shaun the Sheep.

Tim Mutimer, head of distribution for Banijay Group and leader of Banijay Rights, will partner with Funwood Media Founder Aldo Spagnoli to capitalize on the company’s expertise across Italy, Spain and France.

Marco Bassetti, Banijay Group CEO, said: “Boosting our footprint and expertise across Spain and Italy, Aldo brings a strong track record and extensive portfolio. We are pleased to have him on board and feel the business complements Tim’s existing strategy and operations in these regions.”

Mutimer commented: “Aldo is incredibly well-established across Spain and Italy, and with a growing presence in France, he is perfectly positioned to add value to our activities there while supplementing our ongoing distribution and licensing efforts.”

Spagnoli added: “It’s a real pleasure to have the opportunity to join Banijay. It is a milestone in our company´s history that allows us to keep growing with the best partner and team we could have in this ever-changing market.”