Banijay Strengthens Sports Branch

Banijay Benelux has expanded its sports offering with an exciting new acquisition.

The company has acquired a majority stake in leading Dutch sports producer, Southfields. This deal will see Southfields retain its name, combining with EndemolShine Sport to further strengthen the group's capabilities in this genre. It will be led by the business' current management – Ernst Veldkamp, Arthur Zuijderwijk and Emiel Gobes, who will report to country CEO, Peter Lubbers.

From football, cycling and Formula 1, to hockey, volleyball and basketball, the entity will deliver coverage, registrations, talk shows and documentaries across a wide-spanning client base.

Peter Lubbers, CEO Banijay Benelux, said: "By bringing together the Netherlands' two strongest sports production brands, we are even better positioned to serve the market with high-quality content in this field. It has always been our ambition to partner with every Dutch network and OTT platform, and with amazing talent at the helm, we have no doubt this will be the case, as we look ahead to a fantastic summer of sport."

Ernst Veldkamp, Southfields General Manager, added: "In its new capacity, Southfields continues to focus on sports coverage, match registrations, talk shows, sports-related formats and sports documentaries. As part of Banijay Benelux, with its (international) network and excellent creativity and track record, the merger with EndemolShine Sport offers us more opportunities for the future. This combined with our drive, entrepreneurial approach and our talented and passionate employees, we expect to be able to further grow and better serve our customers. We are very much looking forward to the integration and the opportunities that this will offer."

Southfields will be based at Banijay Benelux's headquarters.

www.banijay.com