Banijay Entertainment (company)
![]() The company's logo used since 6 July 2020 | |
Formerly |
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Company type | Subsidiary |
Industry | Entertainment |
Predecessors | |
Founded | January 2008 |
Founder | Stéphane Courbit |
Headquarters | , |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people |
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Owners |
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Divisions |
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Subsidiaries | See § Assets |
Website | www |
Banijay Entertainment S.A.[2] (formerly Banijay Group and later Banijay) is a French multinational television production and distribution company which is the world's largest international content producer and distributor with over 130 production companies across 21 territories, and a multi-genre catalogue containing over 180,000 hours of original programming. Headquartered in Paris, the company was founded in January 2008 by Stéphane Courbit, former president of Endemol France, and has risen since its inception, to become a €3.2bn turnover business. It is a subsidiary of Banijay Group N.V., based in Amsterdam.[2]
The company has expanded over the years through multiple acquisitions, including its purchases of Zodiak Media in 2016, Endemol Shine Group in 2020,[3] when it adopted its current name, and Beyond International in 2022.[4] The group's non-scripted television formats include Big Brother, Survivor, Deal or No Deal, Temptation Island, MasterChef, Don't Forget the Lyrics, and Hunted.
History
Banijay Entertainment was formed in January 2008 through the successive acquisition of production companies, first in France then internationally under the leadership of Stéphane Courbit (which was previously the CEO of Endemol France) alongside Groupe Arnault, the Agnelli and De Agostini families and AMS Industries. Their first acquisition was Nagui's production company Air Productions and was renamed to Banijay Production Media ten years later on April 9 2018.
In 2009, Banijay launched its international distribution division Banijay International.
In January 2009, Banijay acquired 51% of Spanish production company Cuarzo Producciones on 12 January,[5]
On 2 July 2009, Banijay had announced that they're expanding their operations into Germany by acquiring 50% stake of German television producer Brainpool TV.[6] Five days later in that same month of 2009, Banijay expanded its growing television empire and enterted the USA television industry by launching its American reality TV production outfit Angel City Factory with veteran producers Chris Cowen and Jean-Michel Michenaud.[7]
On October 12 2009, Banijay announced that they entered the Scandinavian business by acquiring the entire Nordisk Film TV television division from multinational media group Egmont Group and it's Copenhagen-based film production studio Nordisk Film along with their subsidiaries. The deal also included their international distribution arm Nordisk Film TV Globe with the company's executives Jacob Houlind and Peter Haunsen continue to manage the company under Banijay.[8]
In January 2010, Banijay announced that they brought British indie production company Zig Zag Productions, marking Banijay's first entry into the British market.[9] However in September 2010, Banijay announced that they sold Zig Zag Productions back to their co-founders Danny Fenton and Kevin Utton leading to Banijay exiting the UK market.[10]
In March 2010, Banijay acquired American production company Bunim/Murray Productions for an undisclosed amount.[11]
In April 2012, Banijay had announced that they were shutting down its US production company Angel City Factory with co-founder Chris Rowen departed the subsidiary to join BermanBraun and all of ACF's development negotiations being moved to Banijay's other US unit Bunim/Murray Productions.[12]
In September 2012, Banijay acquired a majority stake in Australian production company Screentime, which included a New Zealand division (Screentime New Zealand) and a 49% stake in Irish producer Shinawil which was sold in 2015.[13] That same year, French celebrity channel Non Stop People and Cyril Hanouna's H2O Productions became new members of the Group,[14] followed in 2013 by Italian producer Ambra Multimedia[15] and Spanish producer DLO Producciones.[16]
In April 2014, Banijay announced that they launched an American subsidary named Banijay Studios North America in Los Angeles, California.[17] On 9 January 2015, Banijay acquired New York City-based Stephen David Entertainment.[18]
In July 2015, Banijay Group announced that it would merge with rival French global independent production television group Zodiak Media, the deal would bring Banijay back to the UK market and expanding into other countries; the merger was completed in February 2016.[19][20] Vivendi also became a shareholder in 2016.[21]
On January 16 2017, after one year since Banijay and Zodiak Media had completed their merger Banijay announced that they dropping the Zodiak name from its global international sales distribution division and renamed it as Banijay Rights.[22]
In 2017, Banijay acquired BlackLight Television, Blast and Fearless Minds in the UK, launched YellowBird UK and acquired Shauna Events in France.[23] In July of that year, Banijay announced it had acquired Survivor production company Castaway Television Productions.[24]
In February 2018, Banijay Group acquired Britain-based company Wonder[25] and Neon Ink Productions in February. Banijay Studios Italy,[26] Banijay Asia[27] and Banijay Productions Germany[28] were created in June of that year. Portocabo and Terence Films also became members of the group in 2018.
In October 2018, Banijay entered advanced talks to acquire rival Dutch-based production and distribution company Endemol Shine Group,[29] with a deal approved a year later on 26 October 2019.[30]
In October 2019, Good Times and Funwood Media became part of the group and the company launched joint venture The Natural Studios alongside Bear Grylls and Delbert Shoopman.[31]
On 8 November 2019, Banijay announced that they're merging the two Italian non-scripted production companies DryMedia and Magnolia SPA to form Banijay Italia and becomes part of Banijay's italian operations.[32]
On 30 June 2020, the European Commission approved Banijay's purchase of Endemol Shine.[33] The purchase was completed on July 3, 2020, whereby Banijay took on its current name (dropping off "Group") and upscaled from its 16 territories to 22.[34] More recently, it signed a deal with Nineteen11, a production company.[35][when?] On December 15, 2021, Banijay Rights signed a deal with Viaplay which provided access to its Nordic drama titles.[36] This led to the creation of Banijay Brands and in September 2020 Banijay Germany secured the majority stake in SR Management GmbH.
In April 2021 it was announced that Banijay had acquired animation company Monello Productions to sit under Banijay Kids & Family. In addition, that month, Banijay Germany launched a new label before announcing in May that Banijay Germany had established a new documentary division. In June of the same year Endemol Shine Germany, part of Banijay Germany, had launched Rainer Laux Productions which is a collaboration with renowned TV producer Rainer Laux. Banijay Germany also partnered with Stephan Denzer in October to found fiction label Good Humor.[37]
In 2021, Marathon Studio, a joint venture with Banijay France, was established and it was announced in July that Banijay France acquired DMLS TV. In July, new French talent agency Banijay Talent and IMA, the new creative agency from Banijay Iberia, were launched. Additionally, Banijay Benelux acquired a majority stake in leading Dutch sports producer Southfields.[38]
In September 2021, Banijay Americas launched new production studio Banijay Mexico & U.S. Hispanic, which is based in Mexico City and Los Angeles.[39] Banijay UK also announced in October 2021 the creation of new scripted start-up Double Dutch.
In February 2022, Endemol Shine Boomdog announced the launch of its post-production studio. This month also saw the creation of Yasuke Production. This new production company between Endemol France and Teddy Riner will focus on the world of sport. Later this month, a partnership with award-winning French producer Alain Goldman via Pitchipoï Productions and Montmartre Films was confirmed.[40]
In March 2022, it was announced that Banijay had acquired the Rome-based production company, Grøenlandia Group.[41]
In April, Banijay announced it is further growing its premium scripted offering via a partnership between Banijay Iberia and Pokeepsie Films.[42]
In May 2022, it was announced that Banijay will be public through an agreement with a SPAC investment group.[43]
In July 2022, it was announced that Banijay would acquire the Sony-owned German television production company Sony Pictures Television Germany.[44][45] The acquisition was completed in October 2022, with the company renamed as Noisy Pictures.[46]
In October 2022, it was announced that Banijay had entered into a Scheme Implementation Deed (Scheme) to acquire Beyond International.[47] The acquisition was completed on December 30, 2022 and Beyond was delisted from the Australian Securities Exchange on January 3, 2023.[4] In that same month, it was announced that Banijay UK had acquired Mam Tor Productions.[48]
In December 2022, Banijay acquired Brazilian studio A Fábrica.[49] before announcing in January 2023 that Banijay Benelux has acquired a majority stake in Belgian production company Jonnydepony.
In February 2023, Banijay Iberia and the football league, LaLiga, announced they were joining forces to launch LaLiga Studios.
On the 15 June Banijay announced it had signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Balich Wonder Studio. Building a stand-out, global media and entertainment powerhouse, the deal combined the strengths of the established world-renowned content group, with the pioneering capabilities of the live entertainment player.[50] The following day the launch of Screen Line Productions, a new scripted label that will sit within Banijay France was announced. The creation of “Banijay Events”, a live events offering which will capitalise on the company’s expertise and success in content production, as well as expand its capabilities within the wider entertainment industry. This announcement later on in the month follows FL Entertainment’s recent new ventures – an investment into The Independents, and the acquisition of Balich Wonder Studio by Banijay. On the 28 June Banijay UK announced its investment in Rabbit Track Pictures, via the Banijay UK Growth Fund. The London based TV & Film production company co-founded by film, TV and stage actor James Norton and scripted executive Kitty Kaletsky.
In July Banijay unveiled the rebrand of creative and marketing agency Banijay Live Artist Brand (BLAB) which becomes Banijay Media Germany. The move introduces three pillars within the company: House of Brands, House of Likes and House of Rights.
Leading entertainment executive and entrepreneur Cris Abrego and celebrated director, producer, and activist Eva Longoria announced on the 16th of October 2023 that they have formed a new media holding company and premium content studio, Hyphenate Media Group. The new venture will invest in creator-led enterprises as well as develop and produce its own slate of original programming. Abrego will serve as the CEO of the company, and Longoria will serve as its Chief Creative Officer. Media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay, led by Chairman Stéphane Courbit and CEO Marco Bassetti, where Abrego has served as Chairman of the Americas since 2020, has made a strategic investment in the new business to accelerate its growth.[51]
During a prestigious breakfast in Cannes for MIPCOM 2023 Banijay, unveiled a brand-new global accelerator program, designed to exclusively support women creators with promising unscripted formats. Banijay Launch is geared towards discovering and incubating untapped talent, to support the next generation of global franchise makers.
Banijay UK announced on 24 October its investment in Esmerelda, the new production venture from actor, comedian and writer Sir Lenny Henry. The new scripted start-up will focus on broad appeal drama and comedy, with an emphasis on working with under-represented writers, cast and crew. BAFTA-winning executive producer, writer and director, Jon Sen, joins Sir Lenny as Joint Managing Director.
On 11 January 2024, it was announced that Beyond International's former owner Mikael Borglund had purchased back Beyond Productions from both companies, including all content produced within the ownership. Banijay retained ownership and distribution rights to Beyond's pre-2022 back catalogue, and secured a five-year first-look distribution deal for all new Beyond productions.[52]
On 15 May 2024, Banijay was renamed back to Banijay Entertainment (the name it used from its founding in 2008 until 2011), as part of FL Entertainment's rebranding to Banijay Group.[2]
Programmes
Banijay Entertainment has several brands of television programmes and formats aimed at different demographics. Some of its better-known programmes and formats produced by its many subsidiaries (past and present) are:
- 1 vs 100
- 5 Million Money Drop
- Aarya
- All Together Now
- Beat Bugs
- Beauty and the Geek
- Beforeigners
- Big Bounce Battle
- Big Brother
- Bigg Boss
- The Biggest Loser
- Tamasha
- The Biggest Loser
- Black Mirror
- Capital (co-production with Fremantle Ltd.)
- The Bridge
- The Courtship
- Deadly Women
- Deal or No Deal
- Domina
- Domino Challenge
- Domino Day
- Don't Forget the Lyrics
- Drag Race France
- Fear Factor
- Fort Boyard
- Good Luck Guys
- Got to Dance
- Grantchester
- How to Look Good Naked
- Hunted
- Identity
- The Island with Bear Grylls
- It's Only TV
- Joe Millionaire
- Keeping Up with the Kardashians
- Language of Love
- The Legacy
- LEGO Masters
- Limitless Win
- Lost in Oz
- Love It or List It
- Love Triangle
- Marie Antoinette
- MasterChef
- Minute to Win It
- Motown Magic
- Mr. Bean
- MTV Roadies
- MythBusters
- Peaky Blinders
- Pointless
- Popstars
- SAS: Rogue Heroes
- Secret Story
- Simon's Cat
- Sing If You Can
- Star Academy
- Starstruck
- Survivor
- Temptation Island
- The Summitt
- Three Little Birds
- Totally Spies!
- The Wall
- Watch Your Step
- Wipeout
- Would I Lie to You?
- Your Face Sounds Familiar
Assets
Assets owned by Banijay Entertainment include:[53]
Region/Country | Units |
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France |
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Germany |
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Israel |
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Italy |
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Benelux |
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Nordic countries |
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Spain and Portugal |
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United Kingdom |
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United States |
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Latin America | |
Australia and New Zealand |
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Asia |
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Other countries |
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International |
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Former/Defunct |
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References
- ^ "Our People - Banijay Group". www.banijay.com. Archived from the original on 9 January 2017. Retrieved 7 January 2017.
- ^ a b c "FL Entertainment Becomes Banijay Group Under 'Big Brother' Company Rebrand". Yahoo News. 15 May 2024. Retrieved 28 May 2024.
- ^ Kanter, Jake (6 July 2020). "Banijay Reveals Rebrand Following $2.2BN Endemol Shine Group Takeover". Deadline Hollywood.
- ^ a b Middleton, Richard (3 January 2023). "Banijay takes full control of Beyond International after completing acquisition". Television Business International.
- ^ "Banijay adquiere el 51% del accionariado de Cuarzo Producciones". FormulaTV. 12 January 2009.
- ^ Hopewell, John (2 July 2009). "Banijay buys 50% stake in Brainpool". Retrieved 18 April 2023.
- ^ Leffler, Rebecca; Andreeva, Nellie (7 July 2009). "France's Banijay sets up U.S. outfit". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
- ^ "Banijay acquires Nordisk Film's TV arm". The Hollywood Reporter. 12 October 2009. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
- ^ Hopewell, John (15 January 2010). "Banijay buys Zig Zag". Variety. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
- ^ "Zig Zag founders buy back company". The Guardian. 24 September 2010. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
- ^ "Bunim-Murray acquired by France's Banijay". The Hollywood Reporter. 25 March 2010. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
- ^ Benzine, Adam (23 May 2012). "Chris Cowan joins BermanBraun, Angel City Factory closes". Realscreen. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
- ^ "IF Magazine". 4 September 2012. Archived from the original on 23 April 2020.
- ^ "Stéphane Courbit rachète la société de production de Cyril Hanouna et boucle le rachat d'Everest Poker". La Tribune. 24 July 2012.
- ^ Tartaglione, Nancy (29 April 2013). "Marco Bassetti Named CEO Of Banijay; Group Acquires Italy's Ambra Multimedia".
- ^ "Banijay Group Acquires Spanish TV Production Firm DLO". The Hollywood Reporter. 10 September 2013.
- ^ Keslassy, Elsa (5 April 2014). "MipTV: Banijay Taps David Goldberg to Launch Banijay Studios North America".
- ^ Steinberg, Brian (8 January 2015). "Banijay Group Buys Controlling Share in Stephen David Entertainment".
- ^ "De Agostini". Archived from the original on 22 April 2021. Retrieved 21 February 2017.
- ^ Barraclough, Leo; Keslassy, Elsa (28 July 2015). "Banijay, Zodiak to Merge to Create $1 Billion Production House".
- ^ Keslassy, Elsa (28 October 2019). "Could Banijay-Endemol Shine Deal Be Vivendi's Ticket to Becoming Global Powerhouse?".
- ^ Whittock, Jesse (16 January 2017). "Banijay rebrands Zodiak Rights". TBI Vision. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
- ^ "Banijay launches further scripted indie, Fearless Minds". 20 July 2017.
- ^ Tartaglione, Nancy (10 July 2017). "Banijay Raises $416M To Help Finance Acquisition Of 'Survivor's Castaway Prods". The Hollywood Reporter.
- ^ Knox, David (28 February 2018). "Banijay acquires Wonder production arm". TV Tonight. Retrieved 28 February 2018.
- ^ Keslassy, Elsa (25 June 2018). "Banijay Studios Italy Bows to Produce Premium Scripted Content".
- ^ Mitchell, Robert (9 April 2018). "Banijay Group Partners With Deepak Dhar to Launch Banijay Asia".
- ^ Tartaglione, Nancy (1 March 2018). "Banijay Productions Germany Launches With Arno Schneppenheim As MD". Deadline Hollywood.
- ^ Keslassy, Elsa (4 October 2018). "Banijay in Advanced Talks to Acquire Endemol Shine".
- ^ Clarke, Stewart; Keslassy, Elsa (26 October 2019). "Banijay Seals $2.2 Billion Deal for Endemol Shine, Paving Way for Huge New Global Player".
- ^ Barraclough, Leo (14 October 2019). "Bear Grylls, Delbert Shoopman Team With Banijay to Launch The Natural Studios".
- ^ Kanter, Jake (8 November 2019). "Banijay Merges Italian Indies DryMedia and Magnolia SPA To Create Banijay Italia". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 17 May 2024.
- ^ Kanter, Jake (1 July 2020). "Banijay Group's $2.2BN Endemol Shine Group Takeover Approved By European Commission".
- ^ "Banijay Closes Endemol Shine Acquisition, Forming Global Production Giant". The Hollywood Reporter. 3 July 2020.
- ^ "Banijay Rights, Nineteen11 sign first-look deal". Retrieved 19 August 2020.
- ^ Keslassy, Elsa (15 December 2021). "Banijay Rights Inks Package Deal With Viaplay Ahead of U.S. Launch". Variety. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
- ^ "Banijay launches new label Good Humor". Rapid TV News. 3 October 2021. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
- ^ "Banijay France Creates New Talent Entity". Banijay. 14 July 2021. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
- ^ "Banijay Americas Launches New Production Studio Banijay Mexico & U.S. Hispanic". 29 September 2021.
- ^ "Banijay Partners with 'La Vie en Rose' Producer Alain Goldman for Series, Films". 11 February 2022.
- ^ Elmes2022-03-22T14:32:00+00:00, John. "Banijay acquires Romulus indie Grøenlandia". Broadcast. Retrieved 23 March 2022.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "Banijay Iberia Partners with Álex de la Iglesia to Scale up Original Fiction Output". 26 April 2022.
- ^ Whittock, Jesse (10 May 2022). "'Survivor' Owner Banijay To Go Public Via SPAC Deal". Deadline Hollywood.
- ^ Ramachandran, Naman (27 July 2022). "Banijay Acquires Sony Pictures Television Germany". Variety. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
- ^ Whittock, Jesse (27 July 2022). "Banijay To Acquire Sony Pictures Television Germany". Deadline. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
- ^ "Banijay Completes Acquisition of Sony Pictures Television Germany, Rebrands it as Noisy Pictures – Global Bulletin". 4 October 2022.
- ^ Bell, BreAnna (5 October 2022). "Banijay Set to Acquire 'MythBusters' Firm Beyond International". Variety.
- ^ a b Middleton, Richard (17 October 2022). "Banijay buys 'Chloe' producer Mam Tor Productions". TBI Vision.
- ^ Maas, Jennifer (6 December 2022). "Banijay Americas Acquires Brazilian Studio A Fábrica". Variety. Retrieved 7 December 2022.
- ^ Ramachandran, Naman (15 June 2023). "Qatar FIFA World Cup, Rio Olympics Organizer Balich Wonder Studio Acquired by Banijay". Variety. Retrieved 22 November 2023.
- ^ Roxborough, Scott (16 October 2023). "MIPCOM: Eva Longoria, Cris Abrego Set Up Hyphenate Media Group". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 22 November 2023.
- ^ "Borglund buys back Mythbusters producer Beyond from Banijay".
- ^ a b c d e f g "Companies". Banijay Group. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
- ^ Earnshaw, Lisa (12 January 2023). "Banijay's Endemol France Joins Forces with Puzzle Media". Banijay Group - We are Banijay.
- ^ "Banijay Group Acquires Terence Films". Banijay website. Retrieved 2 August 2019.
- ^ Richard Middleton (5 May 2021). "Banijay expands German operations with new documentary label". TBI Vision. Retrieved 2 June 2021.
- ^ Richard Middleton (15 April 2021). "Banijay launches German format & digital entertainment label". TBI Vision. Retrieved 16 April 2021.
- ^ "Banijay Group to increase shareholding in Germany production Company Brainpool". Banijay Group - We are Banijay. 1 March 2018.
- ^ a b "Banijay Finalises Structure in Germany". Banijay Group - We are Banijay. 7 August 2020.
- ^ Elsa Keslassy (13 October 2018). "Brainpool's Lucky Pics to Produce Sports Show 'Catch!'; Banijay to Sell Format Rights". variety.com. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
- ^ Mark Layton (11 January 2021). "Banijay & Rainer Laux partner on new German reality label". TBI Vision.
- ^ "Banijay Germany and Sascha Rinne Management Form Joint Venture". Banijay Group - We are Banijay. 15 September 2020.
- ^ a b c d e "Companies". Banijay Group - We are Banijay.
- ^ a b c Richard Middleton (8 November 2019). "Banijay merges Italian prodcos DryMedia and Magnolia into single entity". Television Business International.
- ^ "Banijay Rights Acquires Funwood Media". Banijay website.
- ^ Kanter, Jake (11 December 2019). "Banijay Acquires Italian & Spanish Drama Producer Funwood Media".
- ^ Vivarelli, Nick (22 March 2022). "Banijay Buys Italy's Groenlandia Group, Maker of 'Romulus' and 'The Incredible Story of Rose Island'".
- ^ "Totem Media". Totem Media.
- ^ "Banijay developing dating show in sign language, "Sexy Hands"". Retrieved 7 September 2023.
- ^ "Endemol Shine Finland moves into scripted with Dionysos Films alum". TBI Vision. 4 October 2019.
- ^ "We are Banijay | Jarowskij Finland". Jarowskij.fi. 3 August 2021. Retrieved 3 April 2022.
- ^ "BLACKLIGHT TELEVISION LIMITED - Overview (free company information from Companies House)". find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk.
- ^ Richard Middleton (19 April 2020). "Banijay strikes deal with ITVS-owned Tetra Media to buy 'Hello Kitty' prodco Monello". Retrieved 20 April 2020.
- ^ "Zeppotron Launches New Production Label Definitely". Endemol Shine UK. Retrieved 10 May 2010.
- ^ "The Natural Studios - Banijay Group". Banijay website.
- ^ AFP, Capital avec (14 December 2022). "L'agence Shauna Events vendue par Banijay pour un euro symbolique". Capital.fr (in French). Retrieved 10 February 2023.