News 2010

MIPCOM was a huge success and launch pad for about corporate finance. We met key decision-makers within sectors including TV, film, digital, content production and distribution on board our yacht ‘Indulgence of Poole’.

We believe this is one of the key events for creating, co-producing, buying, selling, financing and distributing entertainment content across all platforms. Its market conferences and networking forums facilitate discovery of future trends and trade content rights on a global level.

Thomas Dey says “the strongest message in this market continues to be interaction between UK, USA and European creators of content.  The industry is shrugging off the cobwebs of recession and looking forward with optimism”.

about Corporate Finance will be attending MIPCOM 2010 and will be on board their yacht, Indulgence of Pool. This will be moored along the jettee Albert Edouard, opposite the Palais.

Deluxe is in talks to buy the UK division of facilities giant Ascent Media – a deal that would almost certainly create the biggest single player in the UK facilities market.
The European division of the US-headquartered Deluxe Entertainment Services Group bought subtitling and content management facility ITFC last week, and has now set its sights on Ascent. The combined companies’ turnover would be well in excess of £100m.
An insider told Broadcast that Ascent had been quietly “on the shelf” for a while, but that the deal with Deluxe was still at a relatively early stage. It is thought other bidders could emerge.
A spokesperson for Ascent Media said: "I cannot confirm or deny anything.”
According to figures from a 2008 audit, Ascent Media Limited in the UK has a Net Worth of £44m and employs more than 800 people in the UK. It is part of the worldwide Ascent Media Corporation.

Thomas Dey, CEO of About Corporate Finance which worked on the sale of ITFC alongside Grant Thornton, said a deal between the two would make sense. “Deluxe would make a great acquirer as it would begin a wealth of technological advancement as well as financial backing to the party.”

Deluxe owns both the former Rank Film Laboratories and Deluxe Digital London.
BY:
Lisa Campbell
Editor
Broadcast
Greater London House
Hampstead Road
London NW1 7EJ
Tel 0207 728 5527