The company enjoyed a solid first quarter performance in 2007, with the quiz programme rating highly in the UK, Italy and the US, and revenue largely coming from phone calls and texts.
Big Brother remains a sound contributor, having returned to air in countries like Italy, Germany and Argentina.
In scripted, Endemol saw strong growth fuelled by a host of new drama series and telenovellas in its main scripted countries, like the Netherlands, Italy and Spain.
In line with Endemol’s continuing search for expansion into new territories, either organically or through M&A, Endemol France was acquired and integrated back into the group as of January 2007. The acquisition brings the total number of territories in which Endemol has an actual production presence to 25.
In the field of non-TV related content, Endemol continued to explore new initiatives and develop specific content for mobile, online video and IPTV concepts. In April, Endemol announced a partnership with Electronic Arts on a new project called Virtual Me, which will make successful Endemol TV formats available in an online virtual reality.
Elías Rodríguez-Viña, CEO of Endemol, said: “In the first quarter we have shown a steady performance across the group. In addition, several new steps towards the further development and implementation of our strategic priorities were made. On balance, our performance in the first quarter leads us to reiterate our financial guidance for the full year 2007.”
In March, Endemol’s chief operating officer Tom Barnicoat stepped down, with the expectation that he would launch a management buyout of the television producer (see Endemol Chief Operating Officer Steps Down).
Earlier in the year, Telefonica executives met to discuss the sale of Endemol with options discussed at the meeting thought to include an open auction or an invitation to the major groups who have shown an interest in the production giant (see Telefonica Board Meets To Discuss Endemol Sale).
Other groups previously linked with acquiring Endemol include Endemol founder Jon de Mol and Italian publisher De Agostini (see De Agostini Could Make Endemol Bid).
Today it was also revealled that Haim Saban, the creator of Power Rangers, has joined the race to buy Endemol by teaming up with venture capitalist Apax Partners and Barnicoat.
Saban’s vehicle Saban Capital Group recently sold ProsiebenSat1 for around £2 billion and is understood to be eyeing Endemol as its next acquisition.
Endemol will publish its half-year results on 26 July 2007, with more detailed financial information.
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