Sky acquires majority stake in Bake Off producer

Sky has acquired a 70% stake in British production company Love Productions as it looks to grow a “broad, international content business spanning broadcasting, production and distribution.”

Since launching in 2004, Love Productions has produced a number of hit British programmes including the Great British Bake Off, Benefits Street, Baby Borrowers and My Last Summer.

Love Productions will continue to operate as a distinct company under its new ownership structure, meaning that it will carry on producing programmes for all major UK broadcasters, as well as creating new programmes and formants for sale around the world.

Sky’s international distribution business, Sky Vision, will become Love Production’s distribution partner.

“This is a significant step for our growing international content business,” said Sophie Turner Laing, managing director of content, Sky.

“Love is one of the UK’s most innovative and creative independent producers with a track record of success across a range of genres, both in the UK and globally. We are really looking forward to supporting them as they build on their relationships with different broadcasters throughout the industry and helping them to grow the business.”

Richard McKerrow amd Anna Beattie, joint CCOs, Love Productions, said: “We are extremely excited by the prospect of a partnership with Sky. We feel it’s the perfect time to be working with a group who can help us realise our creative and commercial potential and fulfil all of our international ambitions for the Love brand.”