Dutch TV producer 2waytraffic has announced that it is buying the group which includes Celador International, Knight Whitehill Productions and The River Studio companies.
2waytraffic, founded in 2004 by the producers of the reality TV show Big Brother, now have the full rights to ‘Millionaire’, which is shown in over 100 countries.
The programme has become a national phenomenon and has many spin-outs include board games and quiz machines in public houses.
CCCL, was founded in 1988 by Paul Smith, who has had considerable success in the world of television, working on shows such as 'It’ll be Alright on the Night’ and 'An Audience with Jasper Carrot'.
Carrot, a shareholder in CCCL, will gain £10m from the deal with 2waytraffic, according to the Guardian newspaper.
Another shareholder that will enjoy a large cash payout is InvestinMedia, which will gain approximately £36m.
Cameron Maxwell, chief executive officer at InvestinMedia, said: “We are very pleased with the deal and are looking forward to its completion.
“I think the future for the show (Millionaire) is very positive.
“2waytraffic has got some different ideas about the way to exploit the concept, but I think the show’s future looks very good.”
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2006
