X Factor maker FremantleMedia has struck a multi-million pound deal to take control of the production company behind Jude Law and Diane Keaton drama The Young Pope.
The Company, which co-produces the X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent with Simon Cowell’s producers Syco, has taken a majority stake in Wildside.
Fremantle, owned by pan-European broadcaster RTL, has taken a 62.5% stake in the Italian television and film producer.
The deal includes an option to acquire the remaining shareholding in the six-year-old Rome-based company in the future.
“This is a key strategic acquisition as we continue to strengthen our prime-time scripted [programming] presence,” said Cecile Frot-Coutaz, chief executive of Fremantle. “Wildside is fast becoming one of Europe’s most sought after drama producers.”
The company is currently in production on eight-part drama The Young Pope, a joint production between Sky, HBO and Canal +, which is directed by Academy Award winner Paolo Sorrentino.
In February, Fremantle acquired a 25% stake in UK-based Corona TV. Its sister company, Corona Films, made the movie The Liability, starring Tim Roth and Jack O’Connell.
In March last year, the company acquired a 75% stake in 495 Productions, the US-based maker of reality TV shows including Jersey Shore.
